New BTK Inhibitors May Combat Resistance in CLL

Three trials report positive data for the noncovalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor pirtobrutinib and a potential successor, rocbrutinib, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. One study of previously untreated patients found a 24-month progression-free survival of 93.4% for pirtobrutinib, versus 70.7% for bendamustine and rituximab. The second study suggests the drug is noninferior to the covalent inhibitor ibrutinib in previously untreated or relapsed or refractory patients. The third study found an overall response rate of 62.5% for rocbrutinib in previously treated patients.