Our Research
Our laboratory utilizes the BH3 profiling technique to study the effects of novel agents such as B cell receptor inhibitors, Bcl-2 antagonists, and monoclonal antibodies on the mitochondria of CLL cells. We do ex vivo work on patient samples to devise novel combination strategies to explore in the clinic. We also study in vivo samples from patients already on clinical trials to assess the effects of these new drugs in patients.
Our ongoing clinical trials include:
- A Phase II Study of Acalabrutinib, Venetoclax, and Obinutuzumab for Initial Therapy of CLL (AVO)
- A Phase I Safety and Efficacy Study of Voruciclib in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Malignancies or AML
- A Phase I/II Study of Duvelisib and Venetoclax in Relapsed or Refractory CLL or SLL
- A Phase II Study of Venetoclax in Combination With Dose-adjusted EPOCH-R or CHOP-R for Patients With Richter's Syndrome
- A Phase 1b Study of Ibrutinib + Obinutuzumab in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- A Phase I/Ib Safety and Efficacy Study of the PI3K-delta Inhibitor TGR-1202 and Ibrutinib in Patients With CLL or MCL
- A Phase II Study of Ibrutinib Plus FCR in Previously Untreated, Younger Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (iFCR)
- A Study of Acalabrutinib Plus Venetoclax Versus Venetoclax Plus Obinutuzumab in Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (MAJIC)
- A Phase 2 Study of Glofitamab Alone or in Combination With Polatuzumab Vedotin or Atezolizumab in Richter's Transformation
Our laboratory studies that draw on samples from these trials utilize a technique developed by our close collaborators in the Letai Lab. The following articles provide an introduction to the BH3 profiling technique:
