Transplantation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: does it still matter in the era of novel targeted therapies?

Fabienne McClanahan; John Gribben

doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2014.08.005

Transplantation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: does it still matter in the era of novel targeted therapies?

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2014 Dec;28(6):1055-71. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2014.08.005. Epub 2014 Sep 26.

Authors

Fabienne McClanahan¹, John Gribben²

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M6BQ, UK; Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
² Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M6BQ, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers the only potentially curative approach in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, this applies only to a minority of patients, and is associated with significant treatment-related mortality and morbidity. HSCT must therefore always be considered in view of other, potentially less toxic therapies. Several new agents demonstrate impressive and durable responses in high-risk patients who might be candidates for HSCT. Therefore the choice of HSCT versus a novel agent is one that must be gauged on a patient-by-patient basis; this will change as data mature on the use of these novel agents in CLL.

Keywords: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; GvHD; GvL; High-risk patients; Novel substances.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
Humans
Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / therapy*
Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
Risk Factors
Survival Analysis
Transplantation, Homologous
Treatment Outcome

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding