June 30, 2020

Dear Readers,

Late Spring 2020 brings CLL patients the new research presented at 2 major conferences, ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) and EHA (European Hematology Association) whose annual meetings were held virtually this year. The CLL Society will be curating and explaining, in patient-friendly terms, the critical research that is advancing care in CLL. We begin with ASCO 2020.

Dr. Koffman’s ASCO 2020 “Top 12” Picks

The 2020 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) was held virtually in May. While ASCO remains more focused on the latest research in solid tumors, there were several worthwhile abstracts related to CLL. Dr. Koffman takes us through his “Top 12” abstracts in short videos with accompanying text. Here are numbers 12, 11, and 10.

ASCO 2020 Top 12

• #12The shift in therapies for the treatment of CLL patients in the US Veterans Health Administration
• #11Clinical activity of anti-ROR1 antibody cirmtuzumab in combination with ibrutinib
• #10Initial results of MRD-driven, time-limited therapy with zanubrutinib, obinutuzumab and venetoclax

CLL Society’s Upcoming Webinar

Please join us for the CLL Society Webinar, “MRD: What Should It Mean to Me?” featuring Dr. Anthony Mato discussing the growing role of MRD testing and research in CLL management. Friday, August 14 at 12:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM CT / 10:30 AM MT / 9:30 AM PT. Learn more and register here.

In Case You Missed It: CLL Society COVID-19 Virtual Community Meetings

We’ve saved a seat for you under Archived Educational Activities on our website! Your home theater + our expert panelists, and the archived audio-visual recordings of all 4 CLL Society COVID-19 Virtual Community Meetings, including the June 18th COVID-19 VCM: Managing Re-Entry.

CLL Society in the News

Dr. Brian Koffman wrote a piece for CURE Today, which detailed his experience as a CAR-T patient and the need for increased patient access to CAR-T therapies. Dr. Koffman highlights the high economic barriers to accessing CAR-T, specifically related to Medicare reimbursement.

Test Before Treat™

Especially if you are about to embark on treatment for your CLL, please ask your health care provider if you have had the critical testing to determine the best possible medication for your CLL. Learn more. Read here. Request a free bright red Test Before Treat™ reminder bracelet. Tell us how testing before treatment, or lack thereof, influenced your CLL management by emailing support@cllsociety.org.

As always, Smart Patients Get Smart Care™

Stay safe.

We are all in this together.

Patty Koffman
Co-Founder & Communications Director
CLL Society

CLL Society Support Group Meetings Coming Up!

CLL Society Support Group meetings are moving to a virtual platform for most locations due to the threat of coronavirus. Support group members will receive an invitation to register for the meeting from the support group facilitator. If you are new to the group, please contact the RSVP email for the Support Group in the link to the specific location below. Once it is safe again, we will resume in-person meetings.

San Diego CLL Society Support and Education Meeting – July 1 @ 4:00 pm

Long Island CLL Support Group – July 2 @ 7:00 pm

Cincinnati CLL Patient Support Group – July 8 @ 6:00 pm 

Salt Lake City CLL Support Group – July 8 @ 7:00 pm 

Raleigh Area CLL Patient Support Group – July 8 @ 7:00 pm

Sacramento CLL Patient Support Group – July 9 @ 6:30 pm

Houston-area CLL Support Group – July 11 @ 10:00 am

Orlando CLL Support Group – July 11 @ 2:00 pm

Philadelphia CLL Patient Support Group – July 11 @ 2:00 pm 

Atlanta Metro CLL Support Group – July 11 @ 3:00 pm

New York City CLL Support Group – July 12 @ 3:00 pm 

The Orange County CLL Support Group – July 14 @ 6:00 pm 

Visit the individual event listings on our website for the most up-to-date information on all CLL Society Support Group meetings.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Meetings

Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 6 PM CT – 8 PM CT

VIRTUAL – Join LLS for the Patient Education Program: Living Well with CLL: diagnosis, treatment and support with Dr. Jason Melear and clinical social worker Vanessa Pettijohn at Texas Oncology. Learn more and register here.