Acalabrutinib (Calquence)

General information

Class/mechanism: Irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is an enzyme that participates in the B-cell receptor (BCR) signal cascade and cytokine receptor pathways. BCR signaling is believed to promote cell proliferation, adhesion, and survival in B-cell malignancies. Inhibition of BTK interferes with the processes above, as well as B-cell chemotaxis and trafficking. More specific to BTK than the first-generation drug ibrutinib.
Route: PO
Extravasation: n/a

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Preliminary studies

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL)

1. Byrd JC, Harrington B, O'Brien S, Jones JA, Schuh A, Devereux S, Chaves J, Wierda WG, Awan FT, Brown JR, Hillmen P, Stephens DM, Ghia P, Barrientos JC, Pagel JM, Woyach J, Johnson D, Huang J, Wang X, Kaptein A, Lannutti BJ, Covey T, Fardis M, McGreivy J, Hamdy A, Rothbaum W, Izumi R, Diacovo TG, Johnson AJ, Furman RR. Acalabrutinib (ACP-196) in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2016 Jan 28;374(4):323-32. Epub 2015 Dec 7. link to original article PubMed

Also known as

• Code name: ACP-196