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MRD Adapted Therapy with Venetoclax, Obinutuzumab, and Acalabrutinib for the Treatment of High- or Intermediate-Risk Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial studies the effects of minimal residual disease (MRD) adapted therapy with venetoclax, obinutuzumab, and acalabrutinib in treating patients with high- or immediate-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) that has come back (relapsed) or has not responded to treatment (refractory). Venetoclax is a targeted therapy drug that works by blocking a protein called Bcl-2 in cancer cells. Bcl-2 helps cancer cells survive and resist the effects of cancer treatments. By blocking Bcl-2, venetoclax may kill cancer cells and/or make them more open to the effects of other cancer treatments. Obinutuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called CD20, which is found on the surface of B cells. When obinutuzumab attaches to CD20, it directly both destroys the B cells and makes them more “visible” to the immune system. Acalabrutinib works by blocking Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) signaling. This helps stop cancerous B cells from surviving and multiplying, which may slow the spread of cancer. This trial also checks for MRD after treatment with obinutuzumab and venetoclax. MRD is a molecular test, which can detect whether there is any evidence of CLL or SLL in the blood or bone marrow. MRD testing determines eligibility for the addition of acalabrutinib to obinutuzumab and venetoclax. Giving venetoclax and obinutuzumab together, and using MRD testing to determine acalabrutinib addition, might be an effective treatment for patients with CLL or SLL.