CLL Treatment Updates and the Integration of AI into CLL Clinical Trials

In this interview, Shaalan Beg, MD, MBA, FASCO, advisor to Lindus Health, describes some of recent advancements in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and discusses the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical trials.

Please share a little about your affiliation and background.

I am a medical oncologist based in Dallas, Texas. I focus on clinical trials for cancer treatment and early detection.

Can you discuss some of the recent advancements in CLL treatment?

CLL is the most common leukemia with multiple treatment options. While there is no cure for CLL, in recent years we have seen the development of multiple new treatments for CLL and its related complications such as immunodeficiency. These treatments include Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, chemoimmunotherapy, and other treatments targeting various molecular alterations. Our understanding for this disease has improved with molecular diagnostics and we can now risk stratify people in a more reliable manner. 

Do you believe there are opportunities to integrate AI into decision-making and precision medicine within CLL clinical trials, considering the growing use of AI across the health care spectrum?

Absolutely. New treatments for CLL are entering the market, and our understanding of this disease is continuously evolving. During the course of their disease, patients with CLL will be exposed to many different medications. All these treatments have related toxicity as well as cost. The decisions of which treatment to deliver and when during their disease course can sometimes appear arbitrary. AI has the potential to evaluate the available literature, provide a comprehensive review for clinicians, and guide the treatment strategy. Another aspect is risk stratification. People with CLL have a high risk of complications from infections that can require hospitalizations and can cause significant morbidity. AI tools can be used to identify people at high risk of complications so that additional supportive care can be offered in a timely manner. 

Are there any promising emerging therapies or ongoing clinical trials in the field of CLL that you believe may have a significant impact on future treatment approaches?

The CLL treatment landscape is evolving very rapidly. Other than examining new therapies, current trials are examining how to efficiently utilize the treatments we have by determining how to best sequence the treatments and how we can de-escalate therapy.

What are some ways that patients can get access to clinical trials and how can clinical pathways help?

Clinical pathways can help patients and their physicians’ access clinical trials by providing a structured approach to care that is specific to their disease, stage, and line of therapy. This can help to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of treatment options, including clinical trials. With the clinical space continuously evolving,  it is critical for the pathways to maximize their clinical relevance by staying up to date.