In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of acalabrutinib (Calquence) in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Researchers found that acalabrutinib had a high response rate and low side effects in these patients.
Some background
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow. It is often treated with drugs that target certain proteins on cancer cells. Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) is an example of this treatment. Some patients experience many side effects with this drug. This can lead to stopping the treatment early. It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of other treatment options for patients who do not tolerate ibrutinib.
Methods & findings
33 patients with CLL who stopped ibrutinib treatment were included in this study. All patients were then treated with acalabrutinib. Patients were followed for an average of 19 months.
Overall response rate with acalabrutinib was 76%. 1 patient had a complete response (complete disappearance of cancer) and 24 had partial responses (tumor shrinkage). Survival without cancer progressing was 83.4% after 1 year.
After 19 months, 23/33 (70%) of patients were still on acalabrutinib. Side effects included diarrhea (58%), headache (39%), and cough (33%). 58% of patients had a serious side effect. These included low white blood cells (12%), and low platelets (9%). 72% of side effects seen with ibrutinib did not occur with acalabrutinib.
The bottom line
The study concluded that acalabrutinib was safe and effective in the treatment of CLL.
The fine print
This study had a small sample size. It was also funded by industry. This may affect results.
Published By :
Blood advances
Date :
May 14, 2019
