Is Continuous Therapy Becoming Finite? The Evolving Landscape of CLL Treatment in 2026

Authors

  • Stephanie Craig, MD
  • Shannon Murphy, MD

Abstract

The front-line treatment landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is rapidly evolving, with several new therapeutic options emerging. Traditionally, chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) formed the foundation of front-line treatment. However, over the past decade, targeted therapies have transformed the management of CLL, replacing CIT as the backbone of front-line treatment. Table 1 summarizes pivotal trials that have advanced CLL treatment.

As a result of these advances, clinicians now have multiple highly effective frontline options. The challenge is no longer selecting the most efficacious regimen but rather selecting the optimal strategy for each individual patient. To address this evolving landscape, this review highlights current evidence and key practical considerations shaping frontline CLL management in Canada.

Author Biographies

Stephanie Craig, MD

Dr. Stephanie Craig is a Hematology Fellow at Dalhousie University. She earned her Master of Public Health from Memorial University of Newfoundland and completed her medical degree from Dalhousie University. She pursued internal medicine residency training at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Her clinical and academic interests focus on malignant hematology.

Shannon Murphy, MD

Dr. Shannon Murphy is a Hematologist and Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University and practices at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, NS. Prior to joining the Division of Hematology and Hematologic Oncology in Halifax, Dr. Murphy completed her internal medicine and hematology training at Dalhousie University, followed by a 1-year clinical lymphoma fellowship with BC Cancer in Vancouver. Her practice focuses on lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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2026-06-10

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Is Continuous Therapy Becoming Finite? The Evolving Landscape of CLL Treatment in 2026. Can Hematol Today [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 10 [cited 2026 Jun. 10];5(1):37–43. Available from: https://canadianhematologytoday.com/article/view/5-1-Craig_et_al

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How to Cite

1.
Is Continuous Therapy Becoming Finite? The Evolving Landscape of CLL Treatment in 2026. Can Hematol Today [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 10 [cited 2026 Jun. 10];5(1):37–43. Available from: https://canadianhematologytoday.com/article/view/5-1-Craig_et_al

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