How it is administered

Duvelisib is taken by mouth as a capsule. The recommended dose is 25 mg taken twice daily, with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened, broken, or chewed. If you miss a dose by less than 6 hours, take it as soon as you remember; if more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual time.

How it works

Duvelisib is a type of medicine called a kinase inhibitor. It mainly blocks two proteins in your body called PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma. These proteins are important for the growth and survival of certain blood cells, including cancerous B-cells found in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

By blocking these proteins, duvelisib helps stop the cancer cells from growing and moving around the body. It also affects the way immune cells communicate and move, which can help control the cancer. Duvelisib can reduce the number of cancer cells and slow down the progression of the disease.

Who Should take it

Duvelisib is used to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who have already tried at least two other treatments and the cancer has come back or did not respond. It is not meant for people who are newly diagnosed or for those who have only had one previous treatment, because of a higher risk of serious side effects and death in these groups.

Your doctor may recommend duvelisib if your CLL or SLL has not improved with other therapies, and you have already received two or more lines of treatment.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for duvelisib, but it is not recommended for use as the first or second treatment for CLL or SLL due to increased risk of treatment-related death.

Duvelisib should be used with caution in people who have active infections, liver problems, or a history of serious skin reactions, lung inflammation, or low blood counts. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take duvelisib, as it can harm an unborn baby or nursing infant. Always tell your doctor about all your health conditions before starting duvelisib.

Commonly used with

Duvelisib is usually used alone for relapsed or refractory CLL or SLL after at least two prior therapies. It is not typically combined with other cancer medicines for this specific indication, but your doctor may prescribe other supportive medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals, to prevent infections during treatment.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies for CLL and SLL, duvelisib was compared to ofatumumab, another cancer medicine. It is not commonly tested in combination with other cancer drugs for CLL or SLL, but you may receive other medicines to help manage side effects or prevent infections while taking duvelisib.