Initial Treatment - obinutuzumab And Venetoclax

[Theplodder]

hi,

I’m starting CLL treatment this week due to very low haemaglobin count. This will start with obinutuzumab with venetoclax to be added in 3 weeks.

Are these the standard drugs used? I’ve been due to start treatment previously (2 years ago) and the drugs were different then. Appreciate things move quickly.

Thanks all

Alan

[Skyshark]

V+O is the short duration standard of care for CLL. It was approved by NICE on 09 December 2020.

When I was starting treatment Easter 2022 I asked how many they had given V+O to at the hospital I attended. I was told about 40. It must be well over 100 by now.

The first 8 weeks are quite intense and a lot of work for doctors. The alternatives two years ago were Ibrutinib or Acalabrutinib, these are covalent BTKi drugs and Zanubrutinib has been added recently. BTKi drugs are very much easier for doctors to manage with consultations every three months.

[Poodle2]

Excellent drugs and very effective. I also had O+V, started in July 2022. Also had low Hb. Read my posts if you feel like it will help, I kept writing regular updates. The first two months were really full on but I felt better immediately, after the first infusion. It was like magic. Especially my energy levels, my Hb was around 85 long term and it was unbelievably hard to just go about my daily things. It helped immensely. I did need two blood transfusions, hope that won't be your case but just so you know, it can happen if your numbers are low to begin with. All the best to you, you will feel so much better. Let us know how you get on.

[SEB0607]

hi there, just to say I am into my 11th week on O&V and like Skyshark mentions the first 8 weeks were intense with time in hospital particularly if you live a distance away but the results for me have been magic and even though I thought I felt fine before I now feel amazing. Full of energy and so far no side effects. Like you I started due to low haemoglobin. I wish you good luck in your journey and hope we both sail through this and get to the other side. My consultant is expecting a long duration post treatment before further treatment is required so I am looking forward to August next year and putting CLL to the back of my mind for some time.

[Nana1961]

Good morning! I had the option to start V&O or Zanu August 2024. I went with Zanu due to the convenience and the fact I don’t like needles! Been doing good….. more energy. Sone side affects diarrhea, back pain and bruising. All and all doing great! It’s even delivered to my house from the cancer institute. Good luck with your treatment

[BigDee]

Hello Theplodder

I have had B+R and V&O, both of which are time limited treatments. Every time I have treatment it is something new, which is nice to have so many options. Blessings.