Introduction: In the context of the increasing number of neoplastic diseases, which have become a leading reason for death during last years, and the related to that drug resistance, it is important new pharmaceu-tical approaches to be found. CLL is the most commonly diagnosed adult leukemia and approximately one-third of all cases of leukemia. Chemotherapy has been the standard-of-care for CLL, but a considerable prog-ress in treatment has been made with the introduction of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, B-cell receptor (BCR) kinase inhibitors and PI3Kδ kinase inhibitors.
Aim: To rewiew the drugs‘ development and the breakthrough therapy for CLL, represented by ofatumum-ab (Arzerra®), obinutuzumab (Gazyva®), ibrutinib (Imbruvica®) and idelalisib (Zydelig®).
Materials and Methods: Systematic review of web databases on the problem.
Results: Four new drugs (two monoclonal antibodies-ofatumumab, obinutuzumab and two kinase inhibi-tors-ibrutinib, idelalisib) for CLL have been approved by the FDA during the last few years. Тhese targeted drugs can offer the possibility of chemotherapy-free treatment, especially in cases of poor response to che-motherapy, geriatric patients with comorbidities and contraindications. They have shown significant activ-ity in patients with refractory or relapsed CLL. Clinical trials reveal improved progression-free survival in comparison with previous generations anti-CD20 antibodies, kinase inhibitors or chemotherapy.
Conclusions: CLL treatment strategy has changed dramatically with the regulatory approval of ofatumum-ab, obinutuzumab, ibrutinib and idelalisib in the past 2 years. The introduction and evolvement of targeted therapy for CLL has the potential to reduce the need of chemotherapy in future.
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