In a nutshell
This study compared acalabrutinib (Calquence) and ibrutinib (Imbruvica) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The data showed that both drugs had similar effectiveness while acalabrutinib showed fewer cardiovascular side effects compared to ibrutinib.
Some background
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) are important in CLL management, providing survival benefits to patients. These targeted therapies such as ibrutinib affect the function and survival of cancerous B-cells. However, ibrutinib has also been associated with cardiovascular (CV; heart and blood vessels) side effects.
Acalabrutinib is a newer BTKi that has shown good safety and effectiveness profiles in patients with CLL. However, a direct comparison between ibrutinib and acalabrutinib is needed to assess effectiveness and safety in patients with CLL.
Methods & findings
This study included 533 patients with CLL that have previously received treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to further receive either acalabrutinib or ibrutinib. The average follow-up period was 40.9 months.
The average survival without cancer worsening was 38.4 months for both groups, regardless of genetic abnormalities (mutations). The overall response rate was similar between the acalabrutinib (81%) and ibrutinib (77%) groups.
The occurrence of CV side effects such as abnormal heart rhythm was significantly lower (9.4%) with acalabrutinib, compared to ibrutinib (16%). Bleeding was also less common in the acalabrutinib group (38%) compared to the ibrutinib group (51.3%).
The bottom line
This study indicated that acalabrutinib had similar effectiveness and was better tolerated compared to ibrutinib, in previously treated patients with CLL.
The fine print
The study design allowed patients and doctors to know which treatments were administered to patients. This may have influenced the results.
Published By :
Journal of clinical oncology
Date :
Jul 26, 2021
