The evolving role of alemtuzumab in management of patients with CLL.

New insights into prognostic markers and the pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are beginning to change the concept of CLL treatment. Alemtuzumab has evolved as a potent and effective therapeutic option for patients with CLL. Specifically, alemtuzumab has demonstrated substantial efficacy in fludarabine-refractory patients and has shown impressive responses when administered subcutaneously in first-line therapy. A group of experts gathered to discuss new data related to the use of alemtuzumab in CLL and to assess its place in the rapidly changing approach to treating patients with this disease. The main goals of this program were to update the management guidelines that were previously developed for alemtuzumab-treated patients and to provide community oncologists with guidance on the most effective way to integrate alemtuzumab into a CLL treatment plan.