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Congratulations to Dr. Deborah Stephens

Congratulations to Dr. Deborah Stephens for her leadership in establishing a new phase III clinical trial that opened December 2020. This trial is sponsored by the SWOG Cancer Research Network, which is a major part of the cancer research infrastructure in this country and the world. This study funded by the National Cancer Institute compares early treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab versus delayed treatment with venetoclax and obinutuzumab in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Venetoclax may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as obinutuzumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Starting treatment with the venetoclax and obinutuzumab early (before patients have symptoms) may have better outcomes for patients with chronic lymphoocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma compared to starting treatment with the venetoclax and obinutuzumab after patients show symptoms. The study will run until 2028.