Navigating the Paradigm Shift in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment from Chemotherapy to Targeted Therapies

Authors

  • Chai W. Phua, MD Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Ontario, Canada
  • Selay Lam, MD Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Ontario, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cht.2024.3s01-244

Abstract

The shift from traditional chemotherapy to more targeted therapies has been a landmark change in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment. This transformation has implications for treatment efficacy, tolerability, and patient quality of life, along with implications for the Canadian oncology community at large, which must rapidly adapt to these advancements. This rapid development underscores the importance of continued responsiveness in medical practice, including more collaborative work with Canadian institutions and provincial cancer care to deliver these transformative therapies to patients. This review aims to offer practical guidance, from a Canadian perspective, for clinicians in treatment selection in the era of targeted therapies.

Author Biographies

Chai W. Phua, MD, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Chai Phua, an Assistant Professor at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, is a Hematologist-Oncologist (LRCP) with a specialized focus on lymphoid malignancies and bleeding disorders. Dr. Phua holds a medical degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine. Further honing his expertise, he pursued a fellowship in Hematology at the University of Toronto. In his current role, Dr. Phua is deeply committed to advancing the field of hematology through rigorous clinical research and high-quality patient care. With a fervent passion for medical education, Dr. Phua dedicates a significant portion of his time to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in the dynamic healthcare landscape. Dr. Phua’s approach to healthcare is characterized by his pursuit of excellence and a collaborative spirit, constantly seeking to push the boundaries of current medical knowledge and practices for the betterment of patient care and healthcare systems at large. He values interdisciplinary collaboration and is always eager to connect with like-minded professionals to further impact the fields of hematology, education, and healthcare positively.

Selay Lam, MD, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Selay Lam’s main clinical and research interests are in lymphoproliferative disorders and plasma cell dyscrasia. She is presently the local Principal Investigator for many lymphoma and myeloma clinical trials run through the Hematology Clinical Research Unit at London Regional Cancer Program. Dr. Lam is a leader in Medical Education at Schulich School of Medicine. She has been integral to the transition to Competency Based Medical Education for the Internal Medicine and Hematology Residency Training Program at Western University.

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Published

2024-01-29

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1.
Phua CW, Lam S. Navigating the Paradigm Shift in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment from Chemotherapy to Targeted Therapies. Can Hematol Today [Internet]. 2024 Jan. 29 [cited 2024 Sep. 8];3(s01-2):2–11. Available from: https://canadianhematologytoday.com/article/view/3-s01-phua-lam

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