Targeted therapy

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy: This treatment blocks the enzyme, tyrosine kinase, that causes stem cells to develop into more white blood cells than the body needs. Ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, and duvelisib are TKIs used to treat symptomatic or progressive, recurrent, or refractory CLL.

BCL2 inhibitor therapy: This treatment blocks a protein called BCL2, which is found on some leukemia cells. This may kill leukemia cells and make them more sensitive to other anticancer drugs. Venetoclax is a type of BCL2 therapy used to treat symptomatic or progressive, recurrent, or refractory CLL.

Monoclonal antibody therapy: Monoclonal antibodies are immune system proteins made in the laboratory to treat many diseases, including cancer. As a cancer treatment, these antibodies can attach to a specific target on cancer cells or other cells that may help cancer cells grow. The antibodies are able to then kill the cancer cells, block their growth, or keep them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies are given by infusion. They may be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to cancer cells. Rituximab, ofatumumab, obinutuzumab, and alemtuzumab alone and in combination with chemotherapy are used to treat symptomatic or progressive, recurrent, or refractory CLL.