PCR Immunochemotherapy for Previously Untreated CLL

The regimen of pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (PCR) yielded an overall response rate >90% in patients with previously untreated progressive CLL.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent leukemia in Western countries. The clinical course is highly variable, reflecting the heterogeneity of underlying phenotypes. Achieving more complete and durable responses, especially for older patients and those with high-risk features, remains a goal for new therapeutic approaches.

In this phase II trial, conducted at Mayo Clinic and The Ohio State University, previously untreated patients with progressive CLL were treated with six 21-day cycles of pentostatin (2 mg/m²), cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m²) and rituximab (375 mg/m²), known as the PCR regimen. All drugs were given on day 1 of each cycle, with the exception of thrice-weekly rituximab, which was given during the first we…

Reviewing Author

Michael E. Williams, MD

PCR Immunochemotherapy for Previously Untreated CLL

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Reviewing Author