FCR after failing B/R?

[SueVG]

I am 5 months post treatment with B/R and my ALC is moving up. My oncologist mentioned the possibility of FCR at some point. I am 72 years old and in good health. My question is shouldn't FCR be first line? Would you take FCR or Imbruvica? What are your thoughts? Thank you for your reply.

Sue

Atlanta GA

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

If you have the option of Imbruvica (ibrutinib) then that would be my choice.

bendamustine/rituxan [BR] and FCR are quite similar, with FCR, being more toxic to the bone marrow than bendamustine/rituxan [BR].

If you failed bendamustine/rituxan [BR] then chemoimmunotherapy isn't likely a good treatment for you...

Do you know your FISH markers and mutation status?

Irregardless, I would be getting a second opinion from a CLL specialist at a major research hospital, before starting a second round of treatment... perhaps Dr. Christopher Flowers

~chris

[Hoffy]

Imbruvica or Venetoclax if you qualify in my opinion would be best.

I hate to say it but some doctors don't want to prescribe imbruvica because they don't make any money just writing a prescription. That was my experience.

Fortunately I switch to a great cll specialist.

Be well.

[CLLCalifornia-USA]

Sue,

I’ve had , FR, BR and am now on Ibrutinib. I’m 65 and other than CLL am in good health. I would opt for Ibrutinib if you are given the option. I now feel so good and have energy. I just spent 2 weeks in Illinois visiting my family and they couldn’t believe the difference it has made. Only 3 capsules daily is pretty darn simple. I hope you have a good CLL specialist. Kindest regards, Sally

[SueVG]

Thank you Sally. I appreciate your response. Feel encouraged after reading it.

[holly2]

I have had 5 rounds of FCR and an extra of just R. Now I am severely pancytopenic from the toxicity of the treatment. While I have no experience of Ibrutinib, from what others are saying above, I would recommend you go for that. If you do plump for FCR, please ensure you are closely monitored after each treatment to ensure you do not have too many like I have. FCR is not an easy ride. All the best, Holly.