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 Published content may become out-of-date as new information and data emerge.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
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.
Remembering John Backus
It is with deep sadness that we honor the late John Backus, a cherished member of CLL Society’s Board of Directors and a champion of our mission.
My CLL Hangs on by a Thread: Stopping Epcoritamab
August 2025 marks two full years that I’ve enjoyed the benefits from my trial of epcoritamab, a bispecific T-cell-engaging monoclonal antibody for my CLL. But the last remains of my chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have remained stubbornly persistent for about a year and a half.
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 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
CMS Releases A New “Model” To Lower Medicare Spending, But It Likely Will Increase Beneficiary Costs
Known as GUARD (Guarding US Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs), the model is envisioned as a demonstration project operated by the CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Innovation arm for Part D drugs.
CLL Society Leads Rare Cancer Patient Organizations In Writing to CMS With Concerns About Technical Program Details Overwhelming Patient Ability to Get Treatments Prescribed by Physicians
CLL Society Leads Rare Cancer Patient Organizations In Writing to CMS With Concerns About Technical Program Details Overwhelming Patient Ability to Get Treatments Prescribed by Physicians
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:30 AM PT / 2:30 PM ET
Join CLL Society for an engaging and practical webinar designed to help people living with CLL take an active role in their care. In this session, Dr. John Burke and CLL patient advocate Christina Fisher will discuss the importance of shared decision-making, an approach in which patients, clinicians, and often care partners work together to choose treatments that reflect both the best medical evidence and what matters most to the individual.
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
Continuous versus Limited Duration CLL Therapy
CLL patients now have multiple excellent choices between limited-duration and continuous targeted therapies that all can offer durable disease control. Choosing between them depends on multiple factors.
Sonrotoclax and Obinutuzumab for Treatment-Naïve CLL
Sonrotoclax plus obinutuzumab appears to be well-tolerated and produces deep responses in patients with treatment-naïve CLL / SLL
First-Line Therapies and Biomarker Testing in Patients with CLL
Real-world data shows that covalent BTK inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed first-line therapy in older adults with CLL.
Equitable Access and Regulatory News
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.
Medicare Telehealth Update
Unless Congress takes further action, these pandemic-era flexibilities are set to expire on January 30, 2026. Please review the official document we’ve included for more details. We will keep you updated as Medicare policies continue to evolve.