Benefits of Pirtobrutinib Treatment in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Jeff P. Sharman, MD, discusses pivotal findings from the phase III BRUIN CLL-321 trial evaluating pirtobrutinib in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. This study is the first randomized phase III trial assessing a noncovalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) in this patient population. Results revealed a 46% reduction in disease progression or death with pirtobrutinib compared to standard therapies, highlighting its ability to provide sustained disease control. Dr. Sharman emphasizes the unmet need in the post-covalent BTKi setting and the potential for pirtobrutinib to improve outcomes for patients who cycle through multiple therapies. With a favorable safety profile and significant progression-free survival benefit, this study supports advancing pirtobrutinib as a second- or third-line treatment option.