Analysis of the utilisation of treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma, October 2025
Page last updated: 20 March 2026
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
October 2025
Abstract
Purpose
To review the utilisation of currently listed Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medications used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
At its November 2023 meeting, the PBAC considered the DUSC’s review of venetoclax for first-line therapy of CLL/SLL. The PBAC considered that another review of venetoclax utilisation for CLL/SLL in 24 months would be of value. At its June 2025 meeting the DUSC noted the listing of zanubrutinib for CLL/SLL in September 2023 and utilisation of other medicines for CLL/SLL and considered a market review could be undertaken.
Data Source / methodology
Authorities data and prescriptions data was extracted from the prescription database and Authorities database maintained by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, processed by Services Australia from between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2025, respectively. Data were extracted based on the date of supply.
Key Findings
- Over the analysis period there has been an increase in the number of first-line incident and prevalent patients treated since the third quarter (Q3) of 2023.
- The number of second-line incident and prevalent patients treated has remained constant over the analysis period.
- The cost to government for first line therapy has increased largely as a result of the introduction of zanubrutinib, and to a lesser extent acalabrutinib and venetoclax in combination with ibrutinib and acalabrutinib in combination with obinutuzumab.
- The cost to government for second line therapy has generally been stable largely driven by the decreased use of ibrutinib, counterbalanced to some extent with the increased use of zanubrutinib and acalabrutinib.
