Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the western world and is considered to be incurable. In the last 10 years, novel therapeutics, like B cell receptor blockers and the bcl‑2 inhibitor venetoclax have transformed the prognosis for CLL patients [1]. In this issue of the Magazine of European Medical Oncology (MEMO), we discuss the perspectives of novel strategies to actually cure CLL patients.

Daniel Heintel reviews the current treatment options for patients with CLL with respect to potential optimal treatment combinations [2]. Katharina Prochazka analyzes the effects and consequences of venetoclax-based regimens to induce deep remissions [3] and Jan-Paul Bohn presents the perspectives of a potentially bright future with new targets and drugs for CLL.