Dr. Wang on Acalabrutinib Activity in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Michael Wang, MD, professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses results from the phase II ACE-LY-004 trial, which explored the BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib (Calquence) in patients with refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

The international trial included 40 hospitals across 10 countries, in which 124 patients were treated with acalabrutinib, which showcased promising activity in those with refractory MCL, Wang explains. This agent brings upon a new era for patients who may have typically received chemotherapy. Additionally, the drug can be administered orally. The agent is also associated with better efficacy than chemotherapy and an improved safety profile, he adds.

Wang says acalabrutinib will also be an improvement for patients' quality of life.