In a nutshell
This study looks at the effectiveness of acalabrutinib (Calquence) to treat patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. The study concluded that acalabrutinib is a safe and effective treatment for relapsed or difficult to treat mantle cell lymphoma.
Some background
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most patients will relapse after initial treatment. Acalabrutinib is a new treatment used for patients with relapsed or refractory (difficult to treat) MCL. Acalabrutinib works by attacking the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) protein. BTK protein helps MCL cells grow and spread. This treatment is fairly new, so more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.
Methods & findings
124 patients participated in this study. All patients received acalabrutinib (100 mg) twice a day for 28-day cycles. Acalabrutinib was given until relapse or critical negative side effects. The average length of follow up was 15.2 months.
At the end of follow-up, 40% of patients achieved a complete response (no detectable disease). The overall response rate (elimination of tumors or reduction of tumor size or number) was 81% at the end of follow up. The 1-year progression free survival rate (time from treatment to disease progression) was 67%. The 1-year overall survival rate (time from treatment to death from any cause) was 87%.
The most common negative side effects were headache (38%), diarrhea (31%), fatigue (27%), and muscle pain (21%). The most common grade 3 or higher side effects were anemia (low red blood cells), neutropenia (decrease in white blood cells), and pneumonia. No deaths were associated with acalabrutinib treatment.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that acalabrutinib treatment is safe and effective for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma.
The fine print
This study was funded by AstraZeneca, the makers of acalabrutinib.
Published By :
Lancet (London, England)
Date :
Dec 11, 2017
