Pirtobrutinib for untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma

Pirtobrutinib is currently in clinical development for untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). CLL is a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow (the spongy inner part of the bone that produces red and white blood cells). CLL and SLL are the same disease, but whereas in CLL the cancer cells are mostly found in the blood or bone marrow, in SLL they most commonly appear in the lymph nodes. These are small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells. In both CLL and SLL, too many white blood cells are produced and they develop abnormally. Symptoms include persistent tiredness, swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin, and unusual bleeding or bruising. Typical treatments include chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies, but since many patients develop resistance to the currently available treatment options, there is a need for novel therapies.