Nemtabrutinib for previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma

Nemtabrutinib is currently being developed for previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) without TP53 (a type of protein seen in cancer cells) aberrations. CLL is a rare type of cancer that affects the blood and the spongy inner part of the bone that produces red and white blood cells, also known as bone marrow. CLL and SLL are the same disease, but whereas in CLL the cancer cells are mostly found in the blood or bone marrow, in SLL they most commonly appear in the lymph nodes, which are small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells. In both CLL and SLL, too many white blood cells are produced that are developing abnormally. The cause of CLL or SLL is unclear. Currently available treatments have been associated with resistance and toxicity, therefore an unmet need exists for novel therapies with manageable safety profiles and better efficacy outcomes.