A 5-Question Quiz on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

What conditions are associated with the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? And which novel agent resulted in significantly better progression-free survival in all CLL settings? Test your knowledge in our latest quiz.

Question 1

Answer

B. Lymphadenopathy

The analysis found that patients with MRD-negative partial response who presented with residual splenomegaly had a similar progression-free survival compared with those with an MRD-negative complete response, (63 vs 61 months, respectively). In contrast, patients with MRD-negative partial response with lymphadenopathy had a shorter progression-free survival of 31 months (P < .001).

Question 2

Answer

C. 9.3 months

The study found that in patients who experienced relapse, acquired mutations of BTK or PLCG2 were found in 85%.

Question 3

Answer

B. Ibrutinib

The study represents the largest real-world experience of novel agents in CLL. “Ibrutinib appears superior to idelalisib as first kinase inhibitor,” the authors found. “Further, in the setting of kinase inhibitor failure, alternative kinase inhibitor or venetoclax therapy appear superior to chemoimmunotherapy combinations.” They recommended trials to test sequencing strategies.

Question 4

Answer

C. Dyslipidemia and hypertension

Neither metabolic syndrome nor diabetes were associated with CLL development. The study also found that “lipid-lowering medications appear to confer a survival advantage in CLL.”

Question 5

Answer

C. Ibrutinib

For this patient population, the NCCN guidelines recommend, in order of preference, ibrutinib; high-dose methylprednisolone plus rituximab; obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil; and alemtuzumab with or without rituximab.