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Lovell AR, Sawyers J, Bose P. An update on the efficacy of Venetoclax for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1307-1316. [PMID: 37226798 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2218545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax has dramatically changed the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and has introduced the concept of time-limited therapy with targeted agents. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the mechanism of action of venetoclax, adverse effects, and the clinical data with this agent as identified by a selective search of clinical trials in the PubMed database. Venetoclax is FDA-approved with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies; however, research is ongoing evaluating its efficacy when given in combination with other agents, such as the Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Venetoclax-based therapy is an excellent treatment option for patients interested in time-limited therapy and can be offered in both the front-line and relapsed/refractory settings. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) risk evaluation, preventative measures, and strict monitoring should be conducted, while these patients ramp up to target dose. Venetoclax-based therapies produce deep and durable responses with patients often achieving undetectable measurable residual disease (uMRD). This has led to a discussion of MRD-driven, finite-duration treatment approaches, although longer term data is still needed. While many patients eventually lose uMRD status, re-treatment with venetoclax remains an area of interest with promising results. Mechanisms of resistance to venetoclax are being elucidated, and research is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacki Sawyers
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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2
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Kuss B, Nagarajan C, Hsieh WS, Cheah CY. Practical management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with acalabrutinib. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:2785-2794. [PMID: 35852229 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2098289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been transformed in the past two decades. The introduction of targeted therapies has improved patient outcomes and the deliverability of effective therapies. Making the best use of the next wave of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors requires an understanding of the nuances that separate the drugs in this class of agents. This paper reviews the newer BTK inhibitors and provides practical guidance on the management of CLL using acalabrutinib. Acalabrutinib is a safe and efficacious BTKi in the treatment of CLL. While some side effects appear to be an "on-target" effect of BTK inhibition, the selectivity of second-generation covalent BTK inhibitors such as acalabrutinib may result in a favorable safety profile due to less off-target kinase inhibition. Acalabrutinib represents a well-tolerated and effective alternative to ibrutinib in the management of CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryone Kuss
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Haematology Department, Flinders Medical Centre and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chandramouli Nagarajan
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, 1 Outram Rd, Block 3 Basement, Singapore 169608, Singapore.,SingHealth DUKE-NUS Blood Cancer Center and Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Wen Son Hsieh
- ICON Cancer Centre, 1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562, Singapore.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chan Yoon Cheah
- University of Western Australia Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Haematology Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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3
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Lovell AR, Jammal N, Bose P. Selecting the optimal BTK inhibitor therapy in CLL: rationale and practical considerations. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221116577. [PMID: 35966045 PMCID: PMC9373150 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221116577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have dramatically changed the treatment
of newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and zanubrutinib are Food and Drug Administration
(FDA)-approved BTK inhibitors that have all demonstrated progression-free
survival (PFS) benefit compared with chemoimmunotherapy. The efficacy of these
agents compared to one another is under study; however, current data suggest
they provide similar efficacy. Selectivity for BTK confers different adverse
effect profiles, and longer follow-up and real-world use have characterized side
effects over time. The choice of BTK inhibitor is largely patient-specific, and
this review aims to highlight the differences among the agents and guide the
choice of BTK inhibitor in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Lovell
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nadya Jammal
- Division of Pharmacy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Davies A, Kater AP, Sharman JP, Stilgenbauer S, Vitolo U, Klein C, Parreira J, Salles G. Obinutuzumab in the treatment of B-cell malignancies: a comprehensive review. Future Oncol 2022; 18:2943-2966. [PMID: 35856239 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The type II anti-CD20 antibody obinutuzumab has structural and mechanistic features that distinguish it from the first anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab, which have translated into improved efficacy in phase III trials in indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These gains have been shown through improvements in, and/or increased durability of, tumor response, and increases in progression-free survival in patients with CLL or follicular lymphoma (FL). Ongoing research is focusing on the use of biomarkers and the development of chemotherapy-free regimens involving obinutuzumab. phase II trials of such treatment regimens have shown promise for CLL, FL and mantle cell lymphoma, while phase III trials have highlighted obinutuzumab as the antibody partner of choice for novel agents in first-line CLL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Davies
- Cancer Research UK Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeff P Sharman
- Willamette Valley Cancer Institute & Research Center & US Oncology, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
| | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Early Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU), Ulm, & Division of CLL, Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Umberto Vitolo
- Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | | | - Gilles Salles
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, NY 10021, USA
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5
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Desikan SP, Venugopal S, Ferrajoli A. BTK inhibitor selection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: which drug for which patient? Expert Rev Hematol 2022; 15:403-409. [PMID: 35507054 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2022.2074393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of BTK inhibitors has revolutionized the management of CLL. Currently, there are 3 BTK inhibitors available to treat CLL: ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and zanubrutinib (the latter not yet approved for this disease but included in the NCCN guidelines). In this review, we will elucidate our approach to the selection of BTK inhibitor and provide insight into the future of BTK directed therapy. AREAS COVERED This review utilizes data from published prospective trials, specifically RESONATE, RESONATE-2, ELEVATE-TN, ASCEND, ELEVATE-RR, and the ongoing FLAIR, SEQUOIA and ALPINE trials. EXPERT OPINION The choice of BTK inhibitor is guided by the setting (frontline vs relapsed) in conjunction with patient disease characteristics and comorbidities. In this review, we will elucidate our approach to the selection of BTK inhibitor and provide insight into the future of BTK directed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Prasad Desikan
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sangeetha Venugopal
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Departments of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas, USA
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6
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Iskierka-Jażdżewska E, Obracaj A, Urbaniak M, Robak T. New Treatment Options for Newly-Diagnosed and Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022. [PMID: 35357653 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00974-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The better understanding of the biology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) gained over the past decade has led to the development and introduction of several targeted drugs, with an demonstrable improvement in the prognosis for this currently incurable condition. Currently, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, venetoclax, and CD20 monoclonal antibodies are the key elements in the treatment of both previously untreated and relapsed/refractory CLL patients. Ibrutinib was the first BTK inhibitor approved for clinical use, and showed excellent efficacy and an acceptable safety profile. Following this, the better-tolerated second-generation irreversible BTK inhibitors acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib have been introduced for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, and acalabrutinib was approved for CLL. When used as single drugs, BTK inhibitors are given continuously until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression; however, when combined with venetoclax and/or CD20 antibodies, they induce deeper response and can be given for a limited time. Recently, promising new reversible BTK inhibitors pirtobrutinib and nemtabrutinib were discovered, and these seem to be more active and better tolerated than their irreversible predecessors. However, they are in an early phase of development and are not currently approved for CLL. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors idelalisib and duvelisib are highly effective in patients with relapsed CLL, including high-risk disease. The major limitations for their use are adverse events, mostly of autoimmune origin (hepatitis, enteritis/colitis, and pneumonitis). Otherwise, cellular therapies like allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and bispecific monoclonal antibodies offer promise for patients who have failed BTK inhibitors and venetoclax treatment. In the coming years, it is likely that novel targeted therapies will replace immunochemotherapy regimens in most patients.
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7
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Weis TM, Gutierrez J, Kabel CC, King AC, Daley RJ, Stump SE. Real-world management of targeted therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022; 28:1411-1433. [PMID: 35350909 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221090869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The advent of novel targeted therapies, including B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors, has substantially changed the treatment paradigm for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although targeted therapies have improved outcomes compared to traditional chemoimmunotherapy in the front-line and relapsed or refractory settings, they are associated with resistance mutations and suboptimal outcomes in certain high-risk patients. Additionally, targeted therapies are associated with drug interactions and unique adverse effect profiles which can be challenging for patients and clinicians to manage. Ongoing studies continue to address questions regarding optimal sequencing of therapies, the role of treatment combinations, and the efficacy of next-generation novel agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview regarding the clinical management of targeted therapies for CLL and applies current literature to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Weis
- Department of Pharmacy, Leukemia Service, 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA
| | - Jillian Gutierrez
- Department of Pharmacy, Leukemia Service, 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA
| | - Charlene C Kabel
- Department of Pharmacy, Leukemia Service, 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA
| | - Amber C King
- Department of Pharmacy, Leukemia Service, 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA
| | - Ryan J Daley
- Department of Pharmacy, Leukemia Service, 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA
| | - Sarah E Stump
- Department of Pharmacy, Leukemia Service, 5803Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY, USA
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8
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Walewska R, Parry-Jones N, Eyre TA, Follows G, Martinez-Calle N, McCarthy H, Parry H, Patten PEM, Riches JC, Hillmen P, Schuh AH. Guideline for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2022; 197:544-557. [PMID: 35313007 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Walewska
- Department of Haematology, University Hospitals Dorset, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Nilima Parry-Jones
- Department of Haematology, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Wales, UK
| | - Toby A Eyre
- Department of Haematology, Cancer and Haematology Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Helen McCarthy
- Department of Haematology, University Hospitals Dorset, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Helen Parry
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Piers E M Patten
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Haematology, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - John C Riches
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter Hillmen
- St. James's Institute of Oncology, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Anna H Schuh
- Department of Haematology, Cancer and Haematology Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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9
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Robak T, Witkowska M, Smolewski P. The Role of Bruton's Kinase Inhibitors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Current Status and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:771. [PMID: 35159041 PMCID: PMC8833747 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors has changed the management and clinical history of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). BTK is a critical molecule that interconnects B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. BTKis are classified into two categories: irreversible (covalent) inhibitors and reversible (non-covalent) inhibitors. Ibrutinib was the first irreversible BTK inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013 as a breakthrough therapy in CLL patients. Subsequently, several studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of new agents with reduced toxicity when compared with ibrutinib. Two other irreversible, second-generation BTK inhibitors, acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, were developed to reduce ibrutinib-mediated adverse effects. Additionally, new reversible BTK inhibitors are currently under development in early-phase studies to improve their activity and to diminish adverse effects. This review summarizes the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety, dosing, and drug-drug interactions associated with the treatment of CLL with BTK inhibitors and examines their further implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magda Witkowska
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Poland; (M.W.); (P.S.)
| | - Piotr Smolewski
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Poland; (M.W.); (P.S.)
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10
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Roeker LE, Thompson M, Mato AR. Current Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: The Diminishing Role of Chemoimmunotherapy. Drugs 2022; 82:133-43. [PMID: 34932207 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we examine the literature supporting treatment decision making in the front-line and relapsed/refractory settings for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In the front-line setting, novel-agent-based approaches, including continuous Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor-based therapy and time-limited venetoclax with obinutuzumab, have demonstrated survival benefit over chemoimmunotherapy. While novel-agent-based front-line approaches are appropriate for most patients, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) remains a consideration for a selected population of young patients with immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene (IGHV)-mutated disease because of the possibility of a prolonged remission following FCR. As front-line novel-agent-based approaches have not been compared directly, decision making regarding which novel-agent-based approach to use in the front-line setting is often based on comorbidities and shared decision making. In the relapsed/refractory setting, BTK inhibitors, venetoclax-based therapy, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors have demonstrated survival benefit when compared with chemoimmunotherapy regimens. Data to support various treatment sequences are limited, which highlights the need for prospective data to examine the optimal treatment sequence. Finally, we examine therapies with combinations of novel agents, and novel agents in development, including covalent and noncovalent BTK inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitors, immunotherapies, and cellular therapies. With effective approved options and new agents in development, the role of chemoimmunotherapy in the management of CLL has diminished.
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11
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Vitale C, Gibbons JL, Ferrajoli A. Targeted Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Clinical Utility of Acalabrutinib. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 14:5507-5519. [PMID: 35002256 PMCID: PMC8721287 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s303060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a deeper understanding of the disease biology led over the last decade to the development and clinical use of different targeted drugs, including Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. The first BTK inhibitor approved for clinical use is ibrutinib, which showed excellent efficacy and good tolerability. More recently, the interest is growing for novel more selective BTK inhibitors that may reduce the off-target effects of the drug, thus minimizing side effects and subsequent treatment interruptions or discontinuations. Acalabrutinib is an orally administered irreversible BTK inhibitor, characterized by the lack of inhibition towards other kinases. In this review, we present the most recent data from clinical trials on the clinical efficacy of acalabrutinib and acalabrutinib-based combinations for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory and treatment-naïve CLL. We delineate the safety profile of the drug, describe side effects of interest and discuss the clinical management of patients receiving acalabrutinib. Due to its efficacy and the favorable safety profile, acalabrutinib has emerged as a viable therapy option in the current landscape of multiple approved treatments for CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candida Vitale
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino and University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Jamie Lynn Gibbons
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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12
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Kay NE, Hampel PJ, Van Dyke DL, Parikh SA. CLL update 2022: A continuing evolution in care. Blood Rev 2022; 54:100930. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
Starting with the first-in-class agent ibrutinib, the development of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors has led to dramatic improvements in the management of B-cell malignancies. Subsequently, more-highly selective second-generation BTK inhibitors (including acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, tirabrutinib and orelabrutinib) have been developed, primarily with an aim to reduce off-target toxicities. More recently, third-generation agents including the non-covalent BTK inhibitors pirtobrutinib and nemtabrutinib have entered later-stage clinical development. BTK inhibitors have shown strong activity in a range of B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia and marginal zone lymphoma. The agents have acceptable tolerability, with adverse events generally being manageable with dosage modification. This review article summarises the evidence supporting the role of BTK inhibitors in the management of B-cell malignancies, including highlighting some differential features between agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Shirley
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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14
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Abstract
Both BTKi and BCL2i are regarded as standards of care for frontline treatment of CLL. In this paper, I present the arguments for favoring BTKi as initial therapy. Venetoclax-based regimens have the advantage of being fixed in duration, but patients with select high-risk features may experience inferior PFS relative to those without high-risk features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine S. Tam
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Jain N. Evolving Treatment Paradigm in Frontline CLL. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 18:114-115. [PMID: 34449250 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Jain
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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16
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been dramatically improved with the addition of anti-CD20 antibodies to chemotherapy, defining a new standard of care for many years. More recently, therapies targeting fundamental signaling and anti-apoptotic pathways within the CLL cell have demonstrated dramatic clinical responses, including in patients with high-risk prognostic markers, thus emerging as preferred therapy for many patients. While the addition of anti-CD20 antibodies to traditional chemotherapy resulted in significant improvements in outcomes, the role of monoclonal antibodies in the era of targeted agents remains an active area of investigation. Furthermore, since the advent of next-generation anti-CD20 antibodies, the role of specific anti-CD20 antibodies remains an open question. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight the important role that anti-CD20 antibody therapy has had in the field of CLL, both when used with chemotherapy and in combination with targeted therapy, as well as the current studies that are further exploring this treatment paradigm in the modern era. EXPERT OPINION While anti-CD20 antibodies have played a pivotal role in the treatment of CLL, additional studies will be required to determine the optimal application of these therapies in combination with targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Crombie
- Department of Medical Oncology , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- Department of Medical Oncology , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Brem
- University of California, Irvine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, CA
| | - Susan O'Brien
- University of California, Irvine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, CA
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