Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature for the use of small molecule inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Recent findings: Ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax are small molecule inhibitors that have revolutionized therapeutic options for patients with CLL, particularly for those with high-risk disease including 17p deletion. These drugs are increasingly finding application in a variety of subtypes of B cell NHL. Intolerance and resistance are concerns for select patients, highlighting the need for continual development of alternate therapies. The treatment armamentarium for CLL and NHL is vastly different than it was just a few years ago. Patients have a much wider range of non-chemotherapy treatment options, some of which produce durable responses and have long-term tolerability. Future research directions will likely focus on identifying the optimal sequences and combination strategies for these new targeted therapies.
Keywords: Ibrutinib; Idelalisib; Small molecule inhibitors; Venetoclax.