Authors' objectives: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma are types of cancer which usually develop very slowly. In people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, the body makes too many white blood cells called lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are abnormal and do not work properly so build up in the lymph nodes (glands) and bone marrow. In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia these lymphocytes are also found in the blood. Ibrutinib is a new type of drug for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma given as a tablet once a day. Some studies have suggested ibrutinib may be helpful for people whose first treatment has failed and whose disease has spread. More studies are now aiming to show how it may work best in combination with two drugs that are already used for the treatment of these diseases, bendamustine and rituximab. If ibrutinib is licensed for use in the UK, it could be a new treatment option for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic leukaemia that may reduce symptoms of the disease and increase survival.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/ibrutinib-imbruvica-with-bendamustine-and-rituximab-for-chronic-lymphocytic-leukaemia-or-small-lymphocytic-lymphoma-second-line/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre (NIHR HSC)