Double-Exposed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Clinical Approach and Management

Authors

  • Robert Puckrin, MD, FRCPC Arthur Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cht.2025.4s0676

Abstract

Managing patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have been treated with both a covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) and BCL2 inhibitor represents an increasingly common and complex clinical challenge. While some patients may be candidates for retreatment with a covalent BTK and/or BCL2 inhibitor, those who are refractory to both classes have limited therapeutic options beyond phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is typically feasible only for highly selected individuals. In this context, enrollment in clinical trials or compassionate access programs provides the best opportunity to access promising novel therapies, including next-generation BTK inhibitors and T-cell–directed immunotherapy approaches. This review provides a practical approach for assessing and managing double-exposed CLL/SLL in the current Canadian context.

Author Biography

Robert Puckrin, MD, FRCPC, Arthur Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre & University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Dr. Robert Puckrin is a hematologist at the Arthur Child Cancer Centre and the University of Calgary in Calgary, Canada. His main interests are in lymphoma, cellular therapies, bispecific antibodies, clinical trials, and real-world data.

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Published

2025-10-29

How to Cite

1.
Puckrin R. Double-Exposed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Clinical Approach and Management. Can Hematol Today [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 29 [cited 2025 Oct. 31];4(s06):2–8. Available from: https://canadianhematologytoday.com/article/view/4-s06-Puckrin

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