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Review
. 2018 Nov 30;2018(1):256-263.
doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2018.1.256.

Richter transformation in the era of novel agents

Wei Ding  1
Affiliations
Review

Richter transformation in the era of novel agents

Wei Ding. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. .

Abstract

Recent approvals of several oral targeted agents have revolutionized chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) therapy. However, CLL patients continue to progress; particularly, 4% to 20% of previously treated CLL patients undergo transformation into high-grade lymphoma. Richter transformation is defined as a transformation of CLL into aggressive lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. These patients typically have poor response to traditional chemotherapy used to treat de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and similar or shorter overall survival (median 3-11 months) in the era of novel agents. Here, I review the contemporary literature on Richter transformation, particularly in the context of novel agents used in CLL, and discuss the management approach for these patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest disclosure: W.D. is on the advisory board for Merck and Alexion and has received research funding from Merck.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Proposed algorithm for the management of RT DLBCL in the era of novel agents of CLL. Bcl-2i, Bcl-2 inhibitor; BTKi, BTK inhibitor; CR, complete response; treat as de novo DLBCL, typically R-CHOP or R-CHOP like regimens.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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