Multinational phase 3 trial of zanubrutinib versus bendamustine and rituximab for untreated CLL or SLL

Zanubrutinib is a next-generation, selective Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor with efficacy in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL). The multinational phase 3 SEQUOIA trial compared zanubrutinib versus the standard combination bendamustine-rituximab for untreated CLL/SLL. Zanubrutinib significantly improved progression-free survival versus bendamustine-rituximab, with an acceptable safety profile. The authors conclude that these data support zanubrutinib as a potential new treatment option for untreated CLL and SLL.