ASH Update 2013: chronic lymphocytic leukemia and indolent lymphoma

At the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology 2013, the focus in the field of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and indolent lymphomas was again dominated by compelling data generated in clinical trials exploring the use of novel drugs targeting the B-cell receptor pathway. The results observed in early trials, e.g., with the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib (formerly PCI-32765) and PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib (formerly CAL-101) have been consolidated. In view of these data, new clinical standards have been set up for the treatment of relapsed/refractory CLL. However, with the presentation of several randomized trials new standards concerning the use of immunochemotherapy are being suggested underscoring the importance of immunochemotherapeutic strategies despite the upcoming era of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment of CLL and indolent lymphoma.