Combination treatment for high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia

A Prospective, Open-label, Multicentre, Randomized, Phase-3-trial of Acalabrutinib, Obinutuzumab and Venetoclax (GAVE) Compared to Obinutuzumab and Venetoclax (GVE) in Previously Untreated Patients With High Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Phase 3 Interventional German CLL Study Group · NCT05197192

This study is testing if a new combination of three drugs can help people with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia live longer without their cancer getting worse compared to a combination of two drugs.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment202 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorGerman CLL Study Group Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsobinutuzumab, acalabrutinib, rituximab, ibrutinib, chemotherapy, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine
Locations30 sites (Bad Saarow and 29 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05197192 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 3 trial aims to compare the effectiveness of a triple combination therapy using acalabrutinib, obinutuzumab, and venetoclax against a dual therapy of obinutuzumab and venetoclax in patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The study focuses on patients with specific genetic markers indicating high risk, such as 17p-deletion, TP53-mutation, or complex karyotype. By evaluating progression-free survival, the trial seeks to address a significant medical need for more effective treatment options in this aggressive form of leukemia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with documented high-risk CLL requiring treatment.

Not a fit: Patients without the specified genetic risk factors for high-risk CLL may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve progression-free survival for patients with high-risk CLL.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar combination therapies in treating high-risk CLL, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Documented CLL/SLL requiring treatment according to iwCLL criteria
* Age at least 18 years
* At least one of the following risk factors: 17p-deletion, TP53-mutation, complex karyotype (defined as defined as the presence of 3 or more chromosomal aberrations in 2 or more metaphases) or an unmutated IGHV gene status.
* Life expectancy ≥ six months
* Adequate bone marrow function indicated by a platelet count \>30 x10\^9/l
* Creatinine clearance ≥ 30ml/min
* Adequate liver function as indicated by a total bilirubin ≤ 2 x, AST/ ALT ≤ 2.5 x the institutional ULN value, unless directly attributable to the patient's CLL or to Gilbert's Syndrome
* Negative testing for hepatitis B (HbsAg negative and anti-HBc negative; patients positive for anti-HBc may be included if PCR for HBV DNA is negative and HBV-DNA PCR is performed every month until 12 months after last treatment cycle),or hepatitis C (negative testing for hepatitis C RNA within 6 wee
* ks prior to registration for study screening (i.e. PCR only required when serology was positive))
* ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status) status 0-2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any prior CLL-specific therapies (except corticosteroid treatment administered due to necessary immediate intervention; within the last 10 days before start of study treatment, only dose equivalents up to 20 mg prednisolone are permitted)
* Absence of high risk disease (17p-deletion, TP53-mutation complex karyotype
* An individual organ/system impairment score of 4 as assessed by the CIRS definition (e.g. advanced cardiac disease (NYHA class 3 or 4) limiting the ability to receive the study treatment or any other life-threatening illness, medical condition or organ system dysfunction that, in the investigator´s opinion, could compromise the patients safety or interfere with the absorption or metabolism of the study drugs (e.g. inability to swallow tablets or impaired resorption in the gastrointestinal tract)
* Transformation of CLL (Richter transformation)
* Malignancies other than CLL currently requiring systemic therapies
* Uncontrolled or active infection of HIV/PML or any other active infection
* Anticoagulant therapy with warfarin or phenoprocoumon
* Pregnant women and nursing mothers

Where this trial is running

Bad Saarow and 29 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaCLLhigh risktp53 aberrationcomplex karyotypeunmutated IGHV gene status
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.