Advancing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treatment in the Community: Practical Updates and Clinical Pearls for Oncology Pharmacists

This activity was originally presented at the 2025 Community Oncology Conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on April 29, 2025.

Program Description

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in adults. Treatment aims to improve quality of life and prolong survival, with current treatment approaches including targeted options, such as small-molecule inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and BCL-2. Oncology pharmacists must understand the rationale behind treatment recommendations based on disease- and patient-specific factors, such as the presence of del(17p) and/or TP53 mutations, logistics of intravenous or oral regimens, and patient preference. While targeted therapies for CLL are less toxic than chemotherapy, class-wide and agent-specific adverse effects of BTK and BCL-2 inhibitors can contribute to nonadherence and discontinuation. Pharmacists play a vital role in the care of patients with CLL by monitoring for and managing these toxicities to ensure safe and effective use of these therapies. This session will prepare oncology pharmacists within community medical centers to navigate updated guideline recommendations to optimize treatment selection and overcome challenges around dispensing oral medications specific to CLL.

Target audience: Oncology pharmacists and specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 6, 2025
Expiration date: May 6, 2026

Time to complete activity: 0.75 hour

Learner level: Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Examine recent advancements and clinical evidence supporting the use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and BCL-2 inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including novel agents that can help overcome resistance to current therapies
• Construct individualized treatment plans for patients with CLL by considering guideline recommendations, patient-specific factors, and treatment goals
• Differentiate the distinct adverse effect profiles and management strategies for BTK and BCL-2 inhibitors, ensuring optimal patient adherence and improved outcomes

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 0.75 contact hour (0.075 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-25-131-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through May 6, 2026.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Karen M. Fancher, PharmD, BCOP, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Advisory Board: AstraZeneca

Kirollos S. Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, FACCC, FAPO, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Consultant: Pfizer, Exelixis, BeiGene, BMS, Regeneron

Speakers Bureau: Pfizer, Exelixis, Beigene, BMS, AbbVie

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Amy L. Morris, PharmD; Daphne Davis, PharmD; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.


Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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