Acalabrutinib is a second-generation tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, a newer drug that can improve the survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
The researchers believe that BTK inhibitors combined with modified CD20 antibody drugs (such as Obinutuzumab) can improve the speed and depth of Acalabrutinib treatment by responding to further sensitized cancer cells.
In the Phase 1 b / II clinical trial, the researchers evaluated the effect of the combined therapy of Acalabrutinib and Obinutuzumab at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital-Richard Research Center (OSUCCC-James), convening 45 relapsed / refractory or CLL patients who have never received treatment.
Overall, the combination therapy of Acalabrutinib and Obinutuzumab is well tolerated, and the response rate has improved over time.
Among patients who had not received any treatment, the overall response rate was 95%. The median follow-up period was 17.8 months. The overall survival rate (OS) of patients with relapsed / refractory CLL was 92%, with a median follow-up period of 21 months.
OSUCCC-James. Associate Professor and first author Jennifer Woyach said that despite the progress made in the treatment of CLL in recent years, the need for additional treatment options is still urgent.
The overall effectiveness of the Acalabrutinib trial emphasizes that this clinical study may have a potential impact on the management of CLL.
