Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation NIHR HSRIC. Venetoclax with rituximab for relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia – second and subsequent line. Birmingham: NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre. Horizon Scanning Review. 2016 Authors' conclusions Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a type of cancer which usually develops very slowly. It causes the body to make too many white blood cells called lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are abnormal and do not work properly so build up in the lymph nodes (glands), spleen, bone marrow and blood. Many patients who have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are diagnosed when having a routine blood test and if they are well, they usually do not need to start treatment straight away. However, if the disease starts to cause symptoms, treatment is then required.
Venetoclax is a new type of drug for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia given as a tablet. It is given with a drug called rituximab, which is already used to treat this cancer. Some studies have suggested venetoclax may be helpful for people whose first treatment has failed and whose disease has continued to spread. More studies are now aiming to show how well it works and that it is safe to use.
If venetoclax is licensed for use in the UK, it could be a new treatment option for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia that does not need to be injected and may reduce the symptoms of the disease and increase survival. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Adult; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antineoplastic Agents; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Rituximab Language Published English Country of organisation England English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre, University of Birmingham, Institute of Applied Health Research, Public Health building, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
Tel: 0121 414 9077 Email: nihrhsc@contacts.bham.ac.uk AccessionNumber 32016000820 Date abstract record published 22/06/2016 |