Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia clinical trials at UC Davis

This phase I/Ib trial investigates the side effects of CC-486 and how well it works in combination with lenalidomide and obinutuzumab in treating patients with CD20 positive B-cell lymphoma that has come back (recurrent) or has not responded to treatment (refractory). Chemotherapy drugs, such as CC-486, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Lenalidomide is a drug that alters the immune system and may also interfere with the development of tiny blood vessels that help support tumor growth. Therefore, in theory, it may reduce or prevent the growth of cancer cells. Obinutuzumab is a type of antibody therapy that targets and attaches to the CD20 proteins found on follicular lymphoma cells as well as some healthy blood cells. Once attached to the CD20 protein the obinutuzumab is thought to work in different ways, including by helping the immune system destroy the cancer cells and by destroying the cancer cells directly. Giving CC-486 with lenalidomide and obinutuzumab may improve response rates, quality, and duration, and minimize adverse events in patients with B-cell lymphoma.

This phase III trial compares early treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab versus delayed treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Venetoclax is in a class of medications called B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. It may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking Bcl-2, a protein needed for cancer cell survival. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as obinutuzumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Starting treatment with the venetoclax and obinutuzumab early (before patients have symptoms) may have better outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma compared to starting treatment with the venetoclax and obinutuzumab after patients show symptoms.