Before the recent approval of several targeted therapies, chemotherapy (usually in combination with immunotherapy) was the main treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, chemotherapy has many side effects.
If you need treatment for CLL, targeted therapy (sometimes with immunotherapy) is now the usual main treatment. Targeted therapy drugs attack specific features of leukaemia cells to stop them growing and multiplying.
Learn more about:
- How are targeted therapy drugs given?
- What are the main types of targeted therapy drugs?
- Side effects of targeted therapy and immunotherapy
- Taking care with infections
- Video: What is targeted therapy?
How are targeted therapy drugs given?
Targeted therapy drugs are usually given as tablets or capsules that you swallow, and can be taken at home. Targeted therapy drugs may be given alone, or in combination with immunotherapy drugs (such as rituximab or obinutuzumab). Immunotherapy drugs are usually given through a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion). This is usually during a day visit to a treatment centre.
What are the main types of targeted therapy drugs?
The targeted therapy or immunotherapy drugs you are offered will depend on the stage of the CLL, the results of genetic tests, your general health, what side effects you can tolerate, and your preferences. The main types of targeted therapy drugs are:
- BTK inhibitors (bruton-tyrosine kinase inhibitors), including acalabrutinib, ibrutinib and zanubrutinib
- BCL-2 inhibitors (B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibitors), including venetoclax (usually given with rituximab or obinutuzumab)
- PI3K inhibitors (phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors), including idelalisib.
If the CLL returns after initial treatment, you may be offered a different targeted therapy drug, immunotherapy or possibly chemotherapy. There is a lot of research into CLL, and new drugs are regularly becoming available. Talk to your doctor about the latest developments and if there is a suitable clinical trial you can join.
During and after treatment for CLL, you will have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your health.
→ READ MORE: Side effects of targeted therapy and immunotherapy
Video: What is targeted therapy?
Watch this short video to learn more about drug therapies, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Podcast: Making Treatment Decisions
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Dr Chun Kei Kris Ma, Clinical Haematologist, Western Sydney Local Health District (clinical update); Delphine Eggen, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Karl A Jobburn, Haematology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Liverpool Hospital; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Westmead Hospital; Jennifer Paton, Consumer.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
