Patient-Focused Treatment Decisions in the Management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Patient-Focused Treatment Decisions in the Management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is organized by National Association of Managed Care Physicians (NAMCP).,,This activity is valid from June 1, 2022, to August 1, 2023,,Description:,Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects older adults. CLL is the most common type of leukemia in adults. It affects B cell lymphocytes, which originate in the bone marrow, develop in the lymph nodes, and normally fight infection by producing antibodies. In 2021, it is expected that there will be 21,250 new cases of CLL and about 4,320 deaths, which represents an increase in both numbers. Patients with CLL are often diagnosed when they are asymptomatic; therefore, knowing when to initiate treatment may pose a challenge to clinicians. Furthermore, patients with CLL have impaired immune systems and multiple comorbidities, which can complicate management and impact treatment decisions. Fortunately for patients with CLL, several new treatments have recently become available, including BTK inhibitors, giving clinicians many new options to improve patient outcomes with these new treatments and strategies. Additionally, combination options with BTK inhibitors are undergoing late stage clinical trials and regulatory review, giving even more options for patients with CLL. This activity focuses on these evolving options, and their combinations, outlines how to incorporate quality measures for the diagnosis and management of CLL, and describes how to apply evidence-based data to select appropriate treatment regimens and manage toxicities. With the availability of new treatments, it is critical that medical directors, oncologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals are updated on these emerging options, guidelines and strategies for implementing them into the treatment paradigm, which will ultimately improve patient outcomes.,,Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:,• Examine how tumor biology informs the application of BTK inhibitors in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL),• Explore clinical profiles regarding mechanistic activity, efficacy, and safety of current and emerging therapeutic options for CLL,• Assess the evolving role of BTK inhibitors, both alone and in combination, in the management of CLL,• Discuss the latest clinical CLL guideline recommendations for selection and sequencing of therapy, individualized to the patient, including mutation status, performance status, comorbidities, and patient preferences,• Understand adverse event profiles across BTK inhibitors alone or in combination with other therapies, including the impact of mechanism of action of BTKis on safety outcomes,• Integrate recent therapeutic advances and unique cost considerations into CLL clinical pathways discussions.