AVO: a new triplet therapy for untreated high-risk CLL
Official title: Optimizing novel agent combination therapy for previously untreated, high risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11382050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, time-limited combination therapy (acalabrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) is being tested for people with newly diagnosed high-risk CLL to see how well it works and how safe it is.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $403,271 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266298-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with previously untreated, high-risk TP53 aberrant CLL who can participate in a multicenter phase 2 trial and undergo regular monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without the specific high-risk TP53 aberrations or those unable to tolerate triplet therapy may derive less benefit and could experience more side effects.
What this research studies
If you have a high-risk form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, this project tests a triple-drug regimen (AVO) to see whether it can produce deep, lasting responses and potentially shorten treatment duration. The study involves a phase 2, multicenter trial where patients receive the drugs together while researchers closely monitor responses, side effects, and minimal residual disease. Researchers will also look at biological markers before and during treatment to understand who responds best and why. The trial is designed to tailor how long treatment lasts based on whether patients achieve undetectable disease. All procedures will be done under careful medical supervision at participating centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this regimen could offer a highly effective treatment option that may lead to durable responses and possibly shorter overall therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ex vivo data showed activity of the triplet in CLL, and this trial seeks to translate those findings into a clinical benefit in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davids, Matthew S — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Davids, Matthew S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Tracing how chronic lymphocytic leukemia can change into Richter’s syndrome
A physician-scientist is studying why CLL sometimes changes into Richter’s syndrome and how this transition happens at the genetic level, with the goal of better outcomes for people living with CLL.
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Paradigm shift in managing untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia in older adults
A Mayo Clinic doctor is leading a national collaboration to advance new frontline treatments for older adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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Rewiring cancer pathways to trigger death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A Stanford-led study aims to use a new class of small molecules to flip cancer-driving signals so CLL cells die, offering hope for patients who have exhausted other therapies.
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METTL3's role in driving a stubborn form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A cancer-related study looks at how METTL3 helps a common leukemia (CLL) grow and resist treatment, with the goal of finding better therapies.
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Understanding why BTK inhibitors stop working in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Researchers are studying why some people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia stop benefiting from BTK inhibitors and how to overcome that resistance.
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National teamwork to improve care for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B‑cell lymphomas
This effort brings together national cancer groups to test new targeted and combination treatments for adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other B‑cell lymphomas.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.