Prof Jennifer Woyach speaks to ecancer about results from the first randomised phase III study comparing a non-covalent and covalent BTK inhibitor, pirtobrutinib versus ibrutinib in treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL.

The results show that pirtobrutinib, a non-covalent BTK inhibitor, achieved non-inferior and in many subgroups superior response rates compared to ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

Prof Woyach highlights that as the first head-to-head comparison between a non-covalent and covalent BTK inhibitor, the study demonstrates pirtobrutinib’s strong efficacy in both treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory patients, with early signs of improved progression-free survival and a favourable safety profile, including fewer cardiovascular side effects.

These findings suggest pirtobrutinib may become an important option for patients with CLL/SLL.