Studies Show Acalabrutinib Is Well-Tolerated in Patients with CLL

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Niko Andre, MD, PhD, global franchise head of hematology and immuno-oncology at AstraZeneca, discussed exciting new findings being presented at the American Society of Hematology 2021 Annual Meeting about adverse effects associated with acalabrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Andre said most adverse effects are very tolerable and easily managed, including headaches, diarrhea, and some neutropenias or infections. However, researchers found much lower rates of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and bleeding events compared to what would be seen in earlier versions of the molecule class.