How it is administered

Duvelisib is taken by mouth as a capsule. The recommended dose is 25 mg twice daily, with or without food. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened, broken, or chewed. If a dose is missed by fewer than 6 hours, take it right away and continue as usual. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time.

How it works

Duvelisib is a type of targeted therapy known as a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking specific proteins in cancer cells called PI3K-delta and PI3K-gamma. These proteins are important for the survival and growth of certain blood cancer cells, especially in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

By inhibiting these proteins, duvelisib disrupts signals that help cancer cells grow and move within the body. This can slow down or stop the progression of the cancer. Duvelisib also affects the immune environment around the cancer cells, which can help the body better control 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 received at least two prior therapies. It is specifically recommended for patients whose cancer has come back (relapsed) or has not responded to previous treatments (refractory).

It is not recommended as a first or second treatment for CLL or SLL due to an increased risk of treatment-related deaths. Your doctor will determine if duvelisib is appropriate for you based on your treatment history and overall health.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for duvelisib, but it should not be used in patients who are pregnant, as it can cause harm to an unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential and men with partners who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one month after the last dose.

Duvelisib should be used with caution in patients with active, serious infections, severe liver problems, or those who have had severe allergic or skin reactions to similar medications. Always discuss your full medical history with your doctor before starting duvelisib.

Commonly used with

Duvelisib is usually used alone for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CLL or SLL. However, patients are often given additional supportive medications, such as prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections like Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and sometimes antivirals to prevent viral infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation.

It is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, as duvelisib can interact with other drugs, especially those affecting the liver enzyme CYP3A4.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, duvelisib has been compared to other treatments for CLL and SLL, such as ofatumumab. It is not typically combined with other cancer treatments in the relapsed/refractory setting, but it may be given alongside supportive medications to manage side effects and prevent infections.

Your doctor will monitor your blood counts and liver function regularly while you are on duvelisib, and may adjust your treatment if you are taking other medications that interact with duvelisib.