Bendamustine for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) often has an extended disease course. With a median age at diagnosis of 72 years, newer treatment options with less toxicity than standard nucleoside analogue-based regimens are needed. Historically, few therapy options are available once CLL has become refractory to nucleoside analogues. Bendamustine has emerged as a feasible therapy for older and less fit CLL patients, with clinical efficacy in previously untreated and refractory CLL.

Areas covered

This paper reviews several of the pivotal clinical trials that established the clinical activity of bendamustine in previously untreated and relapsed/refractory CLL. The toxicity profile of bendamustine, primarily myelosuppression and infections, is reviewed and compared across dif

SUBMITTER: Chang JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3467097 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature