Exploring the immunology of small molecule inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukaemia in the western world. CLL is associated with profound immunodeficiency which leaves patients with insufficient anti-tumour immunity and is often compounded by immunosuppressive treatments. Recent advances in the development of targeted small molecule inhibitors, including Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitors, has provided new, highly effective and less immunosuppressive treatment options. However, targeted therapies have not yet provided a cure for CLL, and there is still a need to improve the depth and durability of patient responses. Immunotherapies harness the patient’s own immune sys..