CLL Society
WHAT’S NEW
Your connection to the most current news, information, and data about Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
We suggest you BOOKMARK this page and visit it often. All content was current as of the date it was published.
In science and in medicine, information is constantly changing. Published content may become out-of-date as new information and data emerge.
Living with CLL
Best Practices for CLL Patient Face-to-Face Events
CLL patients face higher infection risk but with planning and care, risks can be reduced, allowing informed choices to attend and enjoy in-person meetings.
CLL Patient Care Can Be an Emotional Strain for HCPs
We are all aware of and sensitive to the emotional rollercoaster that CLL can be for patients and care partners, but it may also take a toll on healthcare providers.
From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Albie Suozzi’s CLL Journey Featured on the Cover of Cancer Health
CLL Society community member and advocate Albie Suozzi was recently featured on the cover of Cancer Health in an article highlighting her journey with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
Meet a New More Dangerous Doctor than Dr. Google: AI
For years, CLL and other patients relied on Google’s often risky answers to medical questions, but now AI has become an even more dangerous consultant.
Golf, 25 Years of CLL, and Long Remissions
Terry Evans, Director of CLL Society Support & Education Network, shares his CLL journey, experience with clinical trials, and his later-in-life love of golf.
Dr. Ratner offers his memories through the lens of a physician with CLL who specializes in the care of older adults and as a Support Group facilitator.
WHAT'S NEW IN CLL / SLL
Ask the Expert is now Trusted Care Exchange
You may notice a new name on one of CLL Society’s trusted resources.
Our Ask the Expert program is now called Trusted Care Exchange for CLL / SLL. While the name has changed, the program remains the same helpful resource for patients and care partners looking for trustworthy answers to general questions about CLL or SLL.
Through Trusted Care Exchange, you can submit a question and receive guidance from a vetted advanced practitioner. Questions often relate to symptoms, lab results, medications, side effects, nutrition, and other aspects of living with CLL or SLL.
For those who may benefit from more personalized, in-depth support, CLL Society also offers Expert Access. This program connects patients with a physician for a free second opinion through a HIPAA-compliant video platform when a more detailed review of medical history is needed.
No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to support you with trusted information, compassionate care, and clinical expertise.
ADVOCACY AND POLICY
CLL Society Endorses Continued Funding for the NIH
CLL Society Supports Need for Legally Binding Framework for FDA in Rare Diseases
CLL Society Supports Need for Legally Binding Framework for FDA in Rare Diseases
CLL Society Supports Need for Legally Binding Framework for FDA in Rare Diseases
CLL Society Raises Concerns About New Care Models Prioritizing Cost Savings Over Ensuring Appropriate Care for CLL Patients
CMS’ Newly Proposed Care Models are more likely to save money than they are to improve or even maintain care for CLL patients. CLL Society noted several concerns about both Part B and Part D models on behalf of our community. Read both letters
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET
Dr. Joanna M. Rhodes joins us for CLL Society’s “Ask Me Anything.” With no prepared presentation, this event is truly dedicated to answering your questions. Dr. Rhodes is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Director of the Lymphoma Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute, and Systems Head, Lymphoma at RWJ Barnabas. Fellow CLL / SLL patient and advocate Jeff Folloder joins us to moderate this event. Jeff is a long-time supporter of the CLL / SLL community and has hosted events with Patient Power and CLL Global Research Foundation.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET
Join CLL Society for the webinar Medicare Part D in 2026: What Patients Need to Know. Changes to Medicare rules, plan incentives, and financial responsibility can directly impact access to the treatment your doctor recommends. Join us to learn how Part D plans may be responding to these changes, what it means if you are told your plan “denied” coverage for your CLL treatment, and practical steps you can take to appeal, navigate barriers, and advocate for the care you need.
On-Demand Replay
If you missed the recent Q&A-style virtual event “Ask Me Anything” with Dr. Ryan Jacobs and patient advocate Doreen Zetterlund, you can catch the replay and find the transcript here!
If you missed the recent webinar with William A. Werbel, MD, PhD and Brian Koffman, MDCM (retired) MS Ed on Protecting Against Infections When Your Immunity Is Impaired, catch the replay, presentation slides, and transcript here! Watch now!
Treatment Updates
Delaying Obinutuzumab with Acalabrutinib and Venetoclax
Delaying the addition of obinutuzumab to acalabrutinib-venetoclax to the second yearby one year significantly reduced the risk of infections in patients with CLL.
CLL Genetic Marker Testing Associated with Better Outcomes
Patients with CLL who had genetic testing before starting treatment were more likely to have better clinical outcomes than patients who were not tested.”
Venetoclax vs Covalent BTKi in Real World Older CLL Patients
Real-world data shows that venetoclax-based therapy is associated with better outcomes in older patients with CLL compared with covalent BTK inhibitors.
Equitable Access and Regulatory News
FDA Approves Sonrotoclax for Mantle Cell Lymphoma
On May 13, 2026, the FDA approved sonrotoclax (Beqalzi from BeOne), a BCL-2 inhibitor, for adults with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
FDA Approves Combo of Acalabrutinib and Venetoclax in CLL
The FDA has approved acalabrutinib and venetoclax as the first all oral combination for previously untreated CLL patients based on the AMPLIFY trial data.
FDA Okays Pirtobrutinib Post Covalent BTKi Treatment
On Dec. 3, 2025 the FDA gave full approval to pirtobrutinib for use in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after treatment with a covalent BTK inhibitor.