The expanding role of bendamustine in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

As the most prevalent form of adult leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects thousands of patients each year. Given the indolent nature of the disease, symptomatic patients frequently experience multiple relapses throughout their clinical course. Better therapeutic options are needed, particularly for the elderly population that characterizes the majority of affected patients. Bendamustine, a hybrid alkylating agent, has demonstrated remarkable activity in CLL in conjunction with a tolerable safety profile. Although historically used in relapsed and refractory disease, it has recently gained a role in the front-line setting, including younger, physically fit patients. Current investigatory efforts are focused on exploring the combination of bendamustine with novel therapies in CLL.