AstraZeneca’s Calquence Combination Shows Promise in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Fixed-Duration Regimens
Fixed-Duration Treatment:
AstraZeneca's Calquence (acalabrutinib) in combination with venetoclax (Venclexta) and optionally obinutuzumab (Gazyva) has shown significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with treatment-naive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the Phase III AMPLIFY trial124.
Clinical Significance:
The trial demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy, with a favorable trend in overall survival (OS)124.
Safety Profile:
The safety and tolerability of the combination were consistent with the known safety profiles of each drug, with no new safety signals identified and low rates of cardiac toxicity observed124.
Regulatory Implications:
If approved, Calquence would become the only second-generation BTK inhibitor available as both a treat-to-progression and fixed-duration treatment, offering more options for patients and healthcare providers124.
Patient Benefits:
Fixed-duration regimens could allow patients to take breaks from treatment, reducing the risk of long-term adverse events and drug resistance, and improving quality of life125.
Economic Impact:
Fixed-duration regimens may also help limit CLL treatment costs, which could be beneficial for payers and patients5.
Sources:
1. https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/astrazenecas-calquence-aces-phase-iii-cll-trial-eyes-fixed-duration-approval
2. https://www.onclive.com/view/fixed-duration-acalabrutinib-venetoclax-combo-improves-pfs-in-frontline-cll
4. https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2024/calquence-fixed-duration-combo-improved-1l-cll-pfs.html
5. https://www.ajmc.com/view/fixed-duration-acalabrutinib-plus-venetoclax-beats-chemoimmunotherapy-in-first-line-cll-adding-obinutuzumab-boosts-pfs