ASH 2012: Dr. John Byrd Discusses Possible Complications of the New Therapies and the New Trials

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We pick up the interview at ASH 2012 with a perspective on the possible complications of the new therapies (ibrutinib and GS-1101 or Idelalisib), starting with infections in general in CLL and in the trials, bleeding problems, liver enzymes, and atypical pneumonia.

He reminds us that we are treating CLL, not a trivial disorder. I believe he is asking us patients to take a step back and consider our tolerance of adverse events against the often higher risks of the alternative therapies or the real dangers of doing nothing.

In the last half of the interview, Dr. Byrd discusses the RESONATE trial and a possible path to early access to ibrutinib, another trial of GS-1101 versus rituximab with a cross-over, a single arm relapsed 17p del trial of ibrutinib, and others with bendamustine.

Several of these trials offer real solid therapy with no chemo arm. That's special.



This post comes from a castle in the the cold and wet and wonderful Ballyfarnon in northern part of Ireland.

Below is a picture of my my bonnie lassie at the entrance to Kilronan Castle.

We are happy a splendid time, meeting brilliant people. You don't need to believe in the wee folk to recognize that Ireland is a magical place.