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Real members of MyLeukemiaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
May 15
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FDA Approves First All-Oral Combo for Newly Diagnosed CLL Read Article...
MyLeukemiaTeam

That's a really important question. The newly approved acalabrutinib + venetoclax combination is specifically approved as a first-line treatment for people newly diagnosed with CLL or SLL.

If venetoclax has already been part of a previous treatment regimen, this particular combination would likely not be the go-to next Show Full Answer

That's a really important question. The newly approved acalabrutinib + venetoclax combination is specifically approved as a first-line treatment for people newly diagnosed with CLL or SLL.

If venetoclax has already been part of a previous treatment regimen, this particular combination would likely not be the go-to next step. Here's why that matters:

- Prior venetoclax exposure can affect how well the drug works again
- Resistance patterns may have developed during the fixed-duration treatment
- Your oncologist would need to assess your treatment history carefully

The good news is there are other options worth exploring, including:
- Other targeted therapies like ibrutinib or idelalisib
- Clinical trials, which are not just a "last resort" — many are designed as front-line or second-line options
- Combination regimens tailored to your specific genetic mutations

The best next step is a detailed conversation with your care team about what your previous treatment response looked like and what alternatives fit your situation best.

May 15
A MyLeukemiaTeam Member

Medication is effective until those bad cells mutate and can not be effected by the medication. It is best to use a medication that has not been exposed to those bad cells? Most medication have a listed value of how many years the drug will be effective. I take another medication that can be effective for 10 to 20 years or a failure rate of 4% per year. This combination of two drugs at a lower does may be providing 100% protection without over loading a person's body with excess drugs. I currently take my medication at 50% dose with 100% protection.

May 16

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