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F. Pozzo et al.
although observed in the context of both FCR (fludara- bine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab) and FC (fludara- bine and cyclophosphamide) regimens,11 in keeping with the presence of additional mechanism(s) of immune- chemo-resistance occurring in SF3B1-mutated CLL cells.23,24
Collectively, our data may provide the biological basis to promote, for SF3B1-mutated CLL patients, the use of novel biological agents, whose activity does not need the addition of anti-CD20 drugs51,52 or of latest-generation anti-CD20 molecules53 which operate independently of specific genetic lesions.54
Disclosures
No conflicts of interests to disclose.
Contributions
FP contributed to design the study, performed the research, analyzed and interpreted the data and wrote the manuscript; TB performed the research; ET, FV, EV, AZ, RB and FMR con-
tributed to perform the research; LL, GDA, JO, FDR, AC, FZ, GP and GDP provided well characterized biological samples and contributed to writing the manuscript; MDB contributed to design the study; VG designed the study, interpreted the data, wrote and edited the manuscript.
Funding
MDB received funds via the Progetto Giovani Ricercatori, GR- 2011-02351370 and Progetto Ricerca Finalizzata PE-2016- 02362756, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy. AZ received funds via the Progetto Ricerca Finalizzata RF-2018-12365790, Ministero della Salute, Rome, Italy. VG received funds via the Associazione Italiana Ricerca Cancro (AIRC), Investigator Grant IG-2018 (21687); Linfo-check - Bando ricerca - contributo art. 15, comma 2, lett b) LR 17/2014; Associazione Italiana contro le Leucemie, Linfomi e Mielomi (AIL), Venezia Section, Pramaggiore Group, Italy; and “5x1000 Intramural Program”, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy. EV was sup- ported by the Fondazione Umberto Veronesi, Post-doctoral Fellowships-year 2019
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