Insurance and Travel Ability 

Several factors can play a significant role in deciding on a treatment plan for CLL. One of the primary considerations is what your insurance will cover; exploring financial resources for CLL therapies can provide additional support and options. Your ability to travel to a treatment facility is also crucial, especially if regular visits are required for certain types of treatment. 

Location of CLL/SLL

The location of the cancer can influence the choice of treatment. For instance, patients with more cancer cells in their lymph nodes and fewer in their blood, such as those with small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), might find that starting with a BTK inhibitor is more effective. This type of therapy is particularly good at clearing cancer cells from the lymph nodes compared to venetoclax. 

CLL Type 

The specific type of CLL you have also affects treatment decisions. While venetoclax is generally effective for high-risk CLL types, such as those with del(17p) or TP53 mutations, the duration of remission might be shorter compared to patients with low-risk CLL. In such cases, high-risk CLL patients may experience more prolonged disease management with BTK inhibitors, which continuously control the condition.

Medications You Are Currently Taking

Additionally, other medications you are currently taking could determine whether you can use venetoclax or BTK inhibitors. It’s essential to inform your oncology team about all medications, herbal medicines, or supplements you are taking before commencing any new treatment to avoid interactions and ensure the best possible outcome.

How Should CLL Treatments Be Sequenced? 

Patients starting in one class of therapy, like BTK inhibitors, will likely need to switch to a different class, like venetoclax, years later, and vice versa. Usually, the first treatment you take will be more effective than the next treatment taken. 

Considering a Clinical Trial

You may benefit from joining a clinical trial as your first CLL treatment, not only if the cancer has become resistant to prior therapies. Clinical trials often give patients access to improved medicines that might not be available for several years.

Other potential benefits of joining a clinical trial include close monitoring by a healthcare team and the trial covering medicine costs, labs, scans, and even travel costs to the treatment center.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of joining a clinical trial and read answers to common questions.