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Background: Double-expressor lymphoma (DEL) has a poorer prognosis than other subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This study is a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, phase 2 clinical study initiated by investigators to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined zanubrutinib with R-CHOP, which includes rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone for patients with DEL (stage II or more), as well as to explore factors related to efficacy preliminarily., Methods: From November 2020 to July 2022, 48 newly diagnosed patients were enrolled. All patients received twice-daily oral zanubrutinib (160 mg) for 6 months and standardized R-CHOP regimen for six to eight cycles., Results: The objective response rate (ORR) was 89.6%, with a complete response rate (CRR) of 83.3%. The median follow-up was 29.3 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. The PFS and OS were 81.25% and 93.75% at 2 years, respectively. Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 23 of 48 (47.9%) patients. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) results of 33 patients showed that TP53, MYD88, and PIM1 were the most common mutated gene. Multivariate analysis revealed that BCL-6 gene rearrangement was an adverse prognostic factor for both PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.247; 95% confidence article [CI], 0.068-0.9; p = .034) and OS (HR, 0.057; 95% CI, 0.006-0.591; p = .016), whereas the number of extranodal involvements also significantly influenced OS (HR, 15.12; 95% CI, 1.07-213.65; p = .044)., Conclusions: Zanubrutinib in combination with R-CHOP is an effective option for DEL patients, and the toxicity of zanubrutinib is entirely acceptable for patients., (© 2025 The Author(s). Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Cancer Society.)

Treatment of CLL has changed remarkably in the last decade and novel agents are the standard therapy in various jurisdictions. However, the biology of CLL still plays an important part in the treatment choice and disease outcomes. In this post chemo-immunotherapy era for CLL, number of biological factors have lost their clinical significance and most patients will benefit from continuous or time-limited therapy. However, TP53 and IGHV mutation status still retains clinical significance in determining outcomes with various therapeutic approaches. New emerging biological markers including drug-specific mutations are adding to the complexity of decision making in relapsed CLL. End of treatment minimal residual disease analysis (MRD) adds prognostic information to the outcomes with time-limited therapy. MRD-guided duration of treatment may improve further outcomes, but longer clinical follow-up is needed before this approach is incorporated in clinical guidelines. The review gives an update on the impact of biological markers on outcomes with novel agents., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a challenging B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor prognosis and frequent relapses. While treatment advancements such as rituximab and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) like ibrutinib have improved outcomes, novel treatments are continually sought. Zanubrutinib, a second-generation BTKi, promises reduced side effects due to its high selectivity and reduced off-target inhibition. This paper presents a novel case of simultaneous radiotherapy and zanubrutinib treatment in a patient with MCL. We describe a 76-year-old female with a history of MCL treated with zanubrutinib. The patient presented with a metastatic lesion in the parotid gland, which emerged from a previously treated spinocellular carcinoma. She underwent parotidectomy followed by adjuvant radiotherapy while continuing zanubrutinib. The combination was well-tolerated with minimal side effects, including grade 1 dermatitis and grade 2 mucositis, neither of which progressed significantly. Hematological parameters monitored during treatment showed delayed, transient lymphopenia and neutropenia, which resolved post-therapy. No dose adjustment was necessary. The safety and efficacy of concurrent radiotherapy and zanubrutinib treatment in MCL patients are largely unexplored in clinical literature. This case represents the first documented instance of concurrent radiotherapy and zanubrutinib treatment. Our case suggests a favorable safety profile with manageable adverse effects, contrasting with concerns about increased toxicity with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors and radiotherapy combinations. These results indicate the feasibility of this approach with minimal adverse effects. Future studies should explore the broader applicability and efficacy of this treatment strategy, focusing on long-term outcomes and the interplay between BTKi therapy and radiotherapy response., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Fabi et al.)

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that leads to impaired cognitive function and accumulation of disability, with significant socioeconomic burden. Serious unmet need in the context of managing MS has given rise to ongoing research efforts, leading to the launch of new drugs planned for the near future, and subsequent concerns about the sustainability of healthcare systems. This study assessed the changes in the Italian MS market and their impact on the expenditures of the Italian National Healthcare Service between 2023 and 2028., Methods: A horizon-scanning model was developed to estimate annual expenditure from 2023 to 2028. Annual expenditure for MS was calculated by combining the number of patients treated with each product (clinical inputs) and the yearly costs of therapy (economic inputs). Baseline inputs (2020-2022) were collected from IQVIA ® real-world data, while input estimation for the 5-year forecast was integrated with analog analyses and the insights of clinicians and former payers., Results: The number of equivalent patients treated in 2028 in Italy was estimated at around 67,000, with an increase of 10% versus 2022. In terms of treatment pattern evolution, first-line treatments are expected to reduce their shares from 47% in 2022 to 27% in 2028, and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors are expected to reach 23% of patient shares. Overall, expenditure for MS is estimated to decrease from €721 million in 2022 to €551 million in 2028, mainly due to losses of exclusivity and renegotiation of drug prices., Conclusion: Despite the increase in the number of patients treated for MS and the launch of new molecules that will reach high market penetration, the model confirmed sustainability for the Italian National Healthcare Service., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Real-world evidence comparing clinical outcomes between venetoclax and Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) in patients with frontline (1 L) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is lacking. We compared treatment effectiveness of 1 L venetoclax plus obinutuzumab (VenO) versus BTKi-based regimens. This retrospective observational study using Optum Clinformatics Data Mart® included adult patients with CLL (≥2 outpatient or ≥1 inpatient claim) who received VenO or BTKi-based regimens in 1 L (1/2019-9/2022). Baseline characteristics were balanced using stabilised inverse probability weighting. Outcomes included duration of therapy (DoT), persistence, time to next treatment or death (TTNT-D), and time off-treatment. Among 1506 eligible patients (VenO: 203; BTKi: 1303), the median follow-up duration was 12.6 (VenO) and 16.2 months (BTKi). Median DoT for VenO was 12.3 months; persistence remained higher in VenO versus BTKi through expected 1 L fixed treatment duration. Median TTNT-D was not reached for VenO; however, more VenO- versus BTKi-treated patients had not switched therapies/experienced death through Month 12 (87.1% vs. 75.3%). Among patients that discontinued, median time to discontinuation was 11.7 vs. 5.9 months for VenO versus BTKi and median time off-treatment was 11.3 vs. 4.3 months. In this real-world study, VenO was associated with better effectiveness outcomes than BTKi-based regimens in 1 L CLL., (© 2024 The Author(s). British Journal of Haematology published by British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) and the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitor venetoclax have significantly improved outcomes and achieved durable remission in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). BTKi/venetoclax-treated patients with exposure to both novel agents (regardless of the reason for discontinuation) are classified as "double-exposed," and often have poor prognoses. This study aims to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of treatments in double-exposed CLL patients., Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched until December 2023., Results: We retrieved 3948 articles for screening and included 13 publications covering nine distinct studies. Three clinical trials reported a median PFS of 16.8 months with pirtobrutinib, 13 months with lisocabtagene maraleucel, and 10.1 months with nemtabrutnib. ORR ranged from 58% with nemtabrutinib and 80% with lisocabtagene maraleucel. In observational studies, PFS ranged from 3 months with chemoimmunotherapy to 12 months with BTKi, and ORR ranged from 31.8% with chemoimmunotherapy to 85.7% with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T-cell therapy., Conclusion: This study highlights the limited clinical data on efficacy outcomes for double-exposed CLL/SLL patients. Pirtobrutinib, lisocabtagene maraleucel, and a combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax have shown promising effects. However, the scarcity of treatment options and efficacy data for patients who have failed BTKi and venetoclax underscores a significant unmet medical need., (© 2024 The Author(s). Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, plays a remarkable role in the transmission and amplification of extracellular signals to intracellular signaling pathways. Various types of cells use the BTK pathway to communicate, including hematopoietic cells particularly B cells and T cells. The BTK pathway plays a role in controlling the proliferation, survival, and functions of B cells as well as other myeloid cells. First, second, and third-generation BTK inhibitors are currently being evaluated for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases in addition to B cell malignancies. In this article, the available evidence on the action mechanisms of BTK inhibitors is reviewed. Then, the most recent data obtained from preclinical studies and ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, chronic spontaneous urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and asthma are discussed. In addition, adverse effects and complications associated with BTK inhibitors as well as factors predisposing patients to BTK inhibitors complications are discussed., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: None disclosed.

Background: First generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) such as ibrutinib have been associated with cardiovascular toxicities. Newer generation BTKi (e.g.,acalabrutinib and zanabrutinib) have been associated with lower incidence of cardiotoxicity in clinical trials., Objective: Given paucity in real-world data on the overall cardiac risk factor profile, especially with the newer BTKi, our study evaluated the incidence of cardiotoxicity with various BTKi among a large, commercially insured population of patients., Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all adults with a diagnosis of B-cell malignancy undergoing treatment with BTKi acalabrutinib and ibrutinib between January 2018 and June 2020 using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database. We then identified patients who had pre-existing cardiac disease one year prior to starting BTKi. New incidence of atrial fibrillation/flutter, hypertension, bleeding, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation and sudden cardiac death from the time of index presciption were compared with standard Chi Square or Student t-test where appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression models were also estimated to evaluate for confounding., Results: A total of 1691 patients were included in the final analysis. 1595 (94%, median age 75 (19-90) years, 61% male gender) patients received ibrutinib, and 96 (6%, median age 73.5 (32-90) years, 62.5% male gender) patients received acalabrutinib. The median duration of drug exposure of ibrutinib was 238 (2-1084) days vs. 150 (30-870) days for acalabrutinib. There was lower new incidence of atrial fibrillation/flutter (4.6%-vs-17%, p = 0.013), hypertension (6.3%-vs-25%, p = NS), sudden cardiac arrest/death (0% vs. 1.5%, p = NS) in the acalabrutinib group compared to ibrutinib, of which only the lower incidence of atrial fibrillation/flutter was statistically significant. This was despite the finding of a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation/flutter at baseline in patients receiving acalabrutinib., Conclusions: There was lower incidence of new atrial fibrillation/flutter with acalabrutinib when compared to ibrutinib in a real-world cohort of patients., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The advent of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy with ibrutinib introduced a highly effective targeted therapy in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, due to the adverse effect profile some patients cannot tolerate this novel therapy. Newer, more potent and targeted BTK inhibitors such as acalabrutinib have been developed. Acalabrutinib is an irreversible and second generation BTKi that covalently inhibits BTK with greater selectivity than ibrutinib. As novel BTKis are developed, a greater understanding of their efficacy and adverse effect rates can assist clinicians and patients in the shared clinical decision-making process. A search was conducted using the PICOS model and PRISMA guidelines. PubMeb, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the keywords: Acalabrutinib, Acalabrutinib Monotherapy, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, and Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) CLL. After initial literature review 12 studies were chosen for evaluation in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis and follow up meta-regression models were completed. The results were as follows: ORR 82% (95% CI 74%-90%, I 2 = 84.14%, p  < 0.01), CR 4% (95% CI 2%-6%, I 2 = 0.00%, p  = 0.99), mortality rate 12% (95% CI 6%-19%, I 2 = 87.23%, p  < 0.01), mortality rate due to adverse effect 7% (95% CI 3%-10%, I 2 = 67.67%, p  = 0.01), mortality due to pneumonia 2% (95% CI 1%-3%, I 2 = 0.00%, p  = 0.43), mortality due to CLL progression 4% (95% CI 2%-6%, I 2 = 61.03%, p  = 0.04), neutropenia (≥ grade 3) 18% (95% CI 15%-20%, I 2 = 0.00%, p  = 0.70), thrombocytopenia (≥ grade 3) 7% (95% CI 4%-11%, I 2 = 54%, p  = 0.09), anemia (≥ grade 3) 9% (95% CI 6%-12%, I 2 = 36.93%, p  = 0.18), pneumonia (≥ grade 3) 10% (95% CI 6%-14%, I 2 = 66.37%, p  = 0.02) and atrial fibrillation 7% (95% CI 3%-11%, I 2 = 80.13%, p  = 0.00). The results demonstrate that acalabrutinib shows efficacy in the treatment of R/R CLL with tolerable adverse reaction rates.

Background/aim: The treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has changed dramatically over the last two decades. The current study aimed to investigate the impact on overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment (TTT) among CLL patients from 1998 to 2022., Patients and Methods: The cohort was based on data obtained from electronic medical records of Maccabi, the second largest healthcare organization in Israel. All included patients were diagnosed with CLL based on the IWCLL criteria and complete clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were available. The study encompassed 3,964 patients diagnosed with CLL during the specified study period., Results: Patients with CLL who required therapy were divided into three eras based on the dominant treatment approach: chemotherapy alone before 2010, therapy with chemotherapy and anti-CD20 between 2010 and 2017, and therapy with targeted agents between 2017 and 2022. Median OS was 4.1 years, 7.5 years, and not reached, respectively. The six-year OS rates were 40%, 55%, and 69%, respectively, (p=0.0001). The median time to the next treatment improved from 5.5 years before 2010, to 8.3 between 2010-2017, to not reached after 2017 (p=0.0021)., Conclusion: Marked improvements in survival subsequent to fundamental changes in first-line therapy were found in patients with CLL from before 2010 to after 2017., (Copyright © 2024 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: The ONO-4059-02 phase 1/2 study showed favorable efficacy and acceptable safety profile of tirabrutinib, a second-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Here, we report the long-term efficacy and safety after a 3-year follow-up., Methods: Eligible patients were aged ≥ 20 years with histologically diagnosed PCNSL and KPS of ≥ 70. Patients received oral tirabrutinib once daily at 320 or 480 mg, or 480 mg under fasted conditions., Results: Between October 19, 2017, and June 13, 2019, 44 patients were enrolled: 33 and 9 had relapsed and refractory, respectively. The 320, 480, and 480 mg fasted groups included 20, 7, and 17 patients, respectively. The median follow-up was 37.1 months. The overall response rate was 63.6% (95% CI: 47.8-77.6) with complete response (CR), unconfirmed CR, and partial response in 9, 7, and 12 patients, respectively. The median duration of response (DOR) was 9.2 months, with a DOR rate of 19.8%; the median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were 2.9 months and not reached, respectively, with PFS and OS rates of 13.9% and 56.7%, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 38 patients (86.4%): grade ≥ 3 in 23 (52.3%) including 1 patient with grade 5 events. KPS and quality of life (QoL) scores were well maintained among patients receiving long-term treatment., Conclusions: The results demonstrated the long-term clinical benefit of tirabrutinib, with deep and durable response in a subset of patients and acceptable safety profile, while KPS and QoL scores were maintained., Competing Interests: All authors received support for developing the manuscript, which includes funding, medical writing, and article processing charge. HY reports honoraria from Ono, Chugai, Fujifilm, and Novocure global. YN reports grants from Chugai, Sumitomo Pharma, Eisai, Otsuka, SBI, AbbVie, Daiichi Sankyo, Stella Pharma, and Meiji Seika; honoraria from Chugai, Sumitomo Pharma, Eisai, Otsuka, SBI, AbbVie, Daiichi Sankyo, Stella Pharma, and Meiji Seika. MN reports grants from Chugai, MSD, Nippon Kayaku, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Takeda, Shionogi, Kyowa Kirin, Teijin Pharma, Asahi Kasei Medical, HOYA Technosurgical, AbbVie, Eisai, Daiichi Sankyo, Otsuka, Astellas, Tsumura, Sanofi, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Sanei, CSF Behring, and Ono; consulting fees from Ono, Nippon Shinyaku, and Novocure; honoraria from Chugai, MSD, Nippon Kayaku, UCB Japan, Sumitomo Pharma, Ono, Ohara, AbbVie, Eisai, Daiichi Sankyo, Novocure, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Kyowa Kirin; support for attending meetings and/or travel from Ono, Eisai, Denka, Kyowa Kirin, and Nippon Kayaku; Participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board in Novocure; and medical writing support from Ono and Chugai. KM reports grants from Chugai, Eisai, Gunze Medical, Otsuka, Nihon Medi-Physics, Gunze, Stryker Japan, Kyowa Kirin, MSD, Teijin Pharma, AbbVie, Daiichi Sankyo, Novocure, HOYA Technosurgical, Ohara, and CSL Behring; and honoraria from Ono and Chugai. YA reports grants from Philips, Otsuka, Chugai, Nihon Medi-Physics, Daiichi Sankyo, Stryker, Eisai, Japan Blood Products Organization, Ono, Taiho, Sumitomo Pharma, Astellas, Incyte Biosciences, and Servier; and honoraria for lectures from Nippon Kayaku, Novocure, UCB Japan, Ono, Brainlab, Merck, Chugai, Eisai, Daiichi Sankyo, Carl Zeiss, and Nihon Medi-Physics. KA reports honoraria and support for attending meetings and/or travel from Ono. NF reports grants from Ono, Bayer, Chugai, Celgene, and Genmab and Incyte; honoraria from AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Chugai, CSL Behring, Sumitomo Pharma, Eisai, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin, Nippon Shinyaku, Novartis, Ono, Otsuka, Sanofi, SymBio, Takeda, and Zenyaku; and participation on a data safety monitoring board in Huya Japan and an advisory board in AstraZeneca, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Genmab, and Novartis. KS reports honoraria from Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Meiji Seika Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Ono, and Nobel Pharma. AA is employed in Ono and holds stocks of Ono. RN reports grants from MSD, Eisai, AbbVie, and Chugai; and consulting fee from Novocure; honoraria from AbbVie, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Novocure, and Ono., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press, the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology.)

Purpose of Review: The therapeutic landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has undergone a complete makeover following the introduction of highly effective targeted therapies, beginning with ibrutinib which first attained regulatory approval for CLL in 2014., Recent Findings: In recent years, we have seen further refinement of therapeutic options with the development of newer-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) including acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib that improve upon the safety of ibrutinib. Additionally, venetoclax-based approaches, combined with anti-CD20 antibodies, have allowed for time-limited targeted therapeutic strategies which are particularly attractive for certain subsets of patients though have demonstrated efficacy across all subgroups. Lastly, there is an ongoing movement toward the development of time-limited strategies inclusive of both a BTKi and venetoclax that may further widen potential options. CLL patients requiring frontline therapy have a unique burden of choice between highly effective therapies that differ substantially with respect to side effect profiles and schedules. This review will focus on the frontline management of CLL in the setting of these rapidly changing options., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The treatment landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been transformed by the availability of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) and the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor venetoclax. Despite clinical trial data supporting these novel oral agents, evidence evaluating real-world adherence is limited. This study used 2015-2019 Medicare claims data for elderly patients with relapsed/refractory CLL to assess differences in real-world adherence and discontinuation in the 12 months after treatment initiation. In the final sample of 711 venetoclax patients and 1,566 BTKi patients, we found that those initiating venetoclax tended to be younger (mean age 75.6 [SD 6.0] vs 77.6 [SD 6.9] years, p  < .001) but had poorer clinical characteristics. After risk-adjustment, the venetoclax group had higher adherence (61.9% vs. 45.4%, p < .0001) and lower discontinuation when compared to the BTKi group (28.5% vs. 47.4%, p  < .001). These favorable real-world findings underscore the importance of developing well-tolerated novel combinations for older adults.

Background: Inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an emerging multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy. BTK inhibitors (BTKi) cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate B cells and microglia, major cellular players in active and chronic active lesions., Objective: To assess potential lesional and cellular targets of BTKi, we examined BTK expression in different type of MS white matter (WM) lesions, in unmanipulated CNS resident cells, and in a degenerative MS model associated with microglia activation in vivo ., Methods: We examined BTK expression by next-generation RNA-sequencing in postmortem 25 control WM, 19 NAWM, 6 remyelinating, 18 active, 13 inactive and 17 chronic active lesions. Presence of B cells and microglia were examined by immunohistochemistry. CNS resident cells were isolated from the mouse brain by magnetic sorting. BTK expression was examined by quantitative PCR in isolated cells and dissected corpus callosum from mice treated with cuprizone (CPZ)., Results: BTK expression was significantly increased in active and chronic active lesions with upregulated complement receptors and Fcγ receptors. Active lesions contained high number of perivascular B cells, microglia, and macrophages. Chronic active lesions were characterized by microglia/macrophages in the rim. Microglia expressed BTK at high level (120-fold) in contrast to other CNS cell types (2-4-fold). BTK expression was increasing during CPZ treatment reaching significance after stopping CPZ., Conclusion: Considering BTK expression in MS lesions and resident cells, BTKi may exert effect on B cells, microglia/macrophages in active lesions, and limit microglia activation in chronic active lesions, where tissue damage propagates., Competing Interests: ZI has received speakers’ honoraria and/or research grants from Biogen, Roche, Sanofi, Novartis, Merck, Alexion, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lundbeckfonden, and Jascha Fonden, has been member of advisory boards at Alexion, Biogen, Sanofi, Merck, Roche, Novartis, has been member of the adjudication relapse committee in phase 3 trials, and has been principal investigator in studies sponsored by Biogen, Merck, Roche and Sanofi. MLE received speaker’s honoraria from Merck and research grants from Lundbeckfonden R347-2020-2454. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2023 Elkjaer, Waede, Kingo, Damsbo and Illes.)

Objectives: We assessed real-world healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs among US patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (R/R MCL) by line of therapy (LoT)., Methods: We selected patients from MarketScan® (1/1/2016-12/31/2020): ≥1 claims of MCL-indicated first line (1L) therapies, ≥1 diagnoses of MCL pre-index date (1L initiation date), ≥6-month continuous enrollment pre-index date, second line (2L) therapy initiation, ≥18 years old at 2L, and no clinical trial enrollment. Outcomes included time to next treatment (TTNT), all-cause HRU, and costs., Results: The cohort ( N  = 142) was 77.5% male, aged 62 years (median). Sixty-six percent and 23% advanced to 3L and 4L+, respectively. Mean (median) TTNT was 9.7 (5.9), 9.3 (5.0), and 6.3 (4.2) months for 2L, 3L, and 4L+, respectively. Mean (median) per patient per month (PPPM) costs were $29,999 ($21,313), $29,352 ($20,033), and $30,633 ($23,662) for 2L, 3L, and 4L+, respectively. Among those who received Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mean (median) PPPM costs were $24,702 ($17,203), $31,801 ($20,363), and $36,710 ($25,899) for 2L, 3L, and 4L+, respectively., Conclusions: During the period ending in 2020, patients relapsed frequently, incurring high HRU and costs across LoTs. More effective treatments with long-lasting remissions in R/R MCL may reduce healthcare burden.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although there are several disease-modifying therapies that can effectively manage MS relapses, the treatment of chronic progressive MS remains a difficult task. CNS-compartmentalized inflammation plays a primary role in progressive MS, especially by activated microglia. In this context, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach, as the enzyme is centrally involved in the activation of B cells as well as myeloid cells, such as macrophages and microglia., Areas Covered: This paper discusses a novel and promising approach for MS treatment. We discuss the factors assumed to promote progression in MS and how this process could be counteracted by BTK inhibition, as well as summarize all available clinical data on the usefulness of this therapeutic approach for halting MS progression., Expert Opinion: Current therapeutic approaches in MS are effective for treating relapses but fail to halt progression of the disease. This reflects the emerging concept that the underlying pathophysiology of chronic progressive MS differs from that of relapsing-remitting MS. Understanding the CNS intrinsic process in more detail provides novel therapeutic targets, and one of these may be the inhibition of the enzyme BTK.

Fludarabine-cyclophosphamide-rituximab (FCR) has been the gold standard front-line treatment for fit CLL patients until novel agent's introduction. Decision between either time-limited FCR or "endless" Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy may be difficult in fit IGHV-mutated-non-TP53 cases. We describe the outcomes after front-line FCR in 110 CLL patients from 5 centres in Catalonia, Spain, over a period of more than 10 years. ORR was 96.3% and CR 74.5%. Median second-treatment free survival (TFS1) was 6.2 years and median OS was 10.8 years. 50 (45.5%) patients required a subsequent therapy. Median third-treatment free survival was better for BTKi than for chemotherapy ± antiCD20 strategies (not reached vs 3.1 years, p = 0.003). Only 50 (45.5%) patients completed 6 cycles of FCR, and the main reason for discontinuation was cytopenia 29 (26.4%). 15 (13.6%) patients developed a second cancer, and 5 (4.5%) patients experienced a Richter's transformation (RT). At the end of follow-up, 50 (45.5%) patients remained in CR. Response rates, TFS1, OS, RT, and second cancers did not differ between patients treated with 6 vs 4 cycles of FCR. In conclusion, front-line FCR treatment leads to very long CR in almost half of patients, and BTKi yields excellent outcomes in relapsed patients., (© 2022. Japanese Society of Hematology.)

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis if no treatment. The activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-B) is the oncogenic hallmark of PCNSL, and it was driven by B cell receptor (BCR) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways. The emergence of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) has brought the dawn of life to patients with PCNSL. This review summarizes the management of PCNSL with BTKis and potential molecular mechanisms of BTKi in the treatment of PCNSL. And the review will focus on the clinical applications of BTKi in the treatment of PCNSL including the efficacy and adverse events, the clinical trials currently being carried out, the underlying mechanisms of resistance to BTKi and possible solutions to drug resistance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Shen and Liu.)

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, incurable low grade lymphoma following a relapsing trajectory. Management strategies have evolved with the introduction of targeted therapy including new classes of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi). Treatment may however be limited particularly at relapse by a lack of drug availability and tolerability. We assessed the real-world efficacy and tolerability of bortezomib-containing regimens in patients with WM at frontline and relapse including those with prior BTKi resistance. Forty-one patients were identified with 44 bortezomib-containing regimens administered ( n = 12 frontline, n = 32 relapse). Of patients treated at relapse, the median prior lines of therapy was 3 (range 1-7). 24% (10/41) of the cohort were refractory or intolerant to BTKi prior to bortezomib delivery. The median follow-up after bortezomib administration was 34 months (range 0-131). Overall response rate was 88%; 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73-96) and 76% (95% CI 55-87), respectively. Median time-to-next-treatment was 66 months. Neuropathy (grade 1-2) occurred in 24% (8/34) and did not result in treatment cessation in any case. Gastrointestinal disturbance occurred in 7% (3/41). Treatment discontinuations were rare (1/44; 2%), suggesting a manageable safety profile. Major response rate was comparable in those with prior BTKi compared with those without (75% [6/8] vs 84% [27/32], p = 0.61). Bortezomib should be considered as a treatment modality particularly in those who are refractory to BTKi., Competing Interests: SDS reports speaker fees and research funding from Janssen, BeiGene and Sanofi. JK, EU, RB, KT, AR, RG, IP and CK have no conflict of interest to declare., (© 2022 The Authors. eJHaem published by British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an important protein belonging to the tyrosine kinase family that plays a key role in the intracellular signaling and proliferation, migration, and survival of normal and malignant B-lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Understanding the role of BTK in the B-cell signaling pathway has led to the development of BTK inhibitors (BTKi) as effective therapies for malignancies of myeloid origin and exploration as a promising therapeutic option for other cancers. Given its central function in B-cell receptor signaling, inhibition of BTK is an attractive approach for the treatment of a wide variety of autoimmune diseases that involve aberrant B-cell function including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we review the role of BTK in different cell signaling pathways, the development of BTKi in B-cell malignancies, and their emerging role in the treatment of MS and other autoimmune disorders., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Autoreactive B-cells are crucial in the pathogenesis of both haematologic and non-haematologic autoimmune disorders. Therapies targeting B cells and autoantibodies are widely used in clinical practice, however, many patients fail to respond to conventional treatments. An evolving understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune haematologic disorders has facilitated the development of novel therapies, including Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors. BTK is fundamental in B-cell survival, and its inhibition has been used in a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as mature B cell malignancies. This paper reviews the role of BTK in immunity, evolution of BTK inhibitors, and the emerging evidence for BTK inhibitors in autoimmune haematologic conditions, primarily immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and potential future clinical applications., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) pathway has proven to be an effective and transformative therapeutic target in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), fueling the growth of BTK inhibitors (BTKis) and landmark approval of first-generation BTKi, ibrutinib. However, ibrutinib's side effect profile left an unmet need for BTKis with improved tolerability, thus spurring the subsequent development of second-generation acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib. The treatment landscape continues to evolve with studies using BTKi combination therapies, notably with venetoclax, with and without an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody as well as third-generation BTKis aimed to overcome BTKi resistance., Areas Covered: This article details the current literature highlighting the efficacy, toxicities, and potential therapeutic combinations of approved and preclinical BTKis., Expert Opinion: BTKis have signaled the start of a new treatment paradigm in CLL and improved clinical outcomes, especially for patients with high-risk disease. However, drug resistance, low CR rates, and indefinite treatment necessitate the development of novel BTKis and fixed duration combination therapy. The results from recently completed and ongoing clinical trials are eagerly awaited with the potential promise of reduced treatment durations and financial burden while achieving durable remissions.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in demyelination and neurodegeneration. The therapeutic strategy is now largely based on reducing inflammation with immunosuppressive drugs. Unfortunately, when disease progression is observed, no drug offers neuroprotection apart from its anti-inflammatory effect. In this review, we explore current knowledge on the assessment of neurodegeneration in MS and look at putative targets that might prove useful in protecting the axon from degeneration. Among them, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant agents, sex hormones, statins, channel blockers, growth factors, and molecules preventing glutamate excitotoxicity have already been studied. Some of them have reached phase III clinical trials and carry a great message of hope for our patients with MS., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Richter transformation (RT) is a poorly understood complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a dismal prognosis. It is associated with a switch in histopathology and biology, generally with a transformation of the original CLL clone to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or less frequently to Hodgkin's variant of Richter transformation (HVRT). It occurs in 2-10% of CLL patients, with an incidence rate of 0.5-1% per year, and may develop in treatment-naïve patients, although it is more common following therapy. In recent years, there has been a deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of RT that involves the inactivation of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene in 50-60% of cases and the activation of aberrations of NOTCH1 and MYC pathways in about 30% of cases. Compared to the preceding CLL, 80% of cases with DLBCL-RT and 30% of HVRT harbor the same IGHV-D-J rearrangements, indicating a clonal evolution of the disease, while the remaining cases represent de novo lymphomas that are clonally unrelated. Despite advances in understanding the molecular variations and the pathogenesis of the disease, there is still no significant improvement in patient outcomes. However, if no clinical trials were designed for patients with RT in the past, now there many studies for these patients that incorporate new drugs and novel combinations that are being explored. In this review, we summarize the new information accumulated on RT with special emphasis on results involving the novel therapy tested for this entity, which represents an unmet clinical need.

Despite recent therapeutic progress and improved survival for many patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), up to 50% of patients will experience refractory or relapsed disease following first-line treatment with high dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) based regimens. The majority of such events occur within 2 years of diagnosis although, unlike their systemic counterpart, the risk of PCNSL relapse remains, even for patients in radiologic complete response at 10 years following diagnosis. Currently, there are no approved therapies, and no widely accepted 'standard-of-care' approaches for the treatment of refractory or recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (rrPCNSL). Re-treatment with HD-MTX based regimens, use of non-cross resistant chemotherapy regimens, high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT), and brain irradiation all remain important therapeutic approaches for rrPCNSL. However, the survival outcomes for patients with rrPCNSL remain extremely poor and the vast majority of patients will die of their disease. Increasingly, novel treatment approaches are being investigated in early phase clinical studies. Importantly, such therapies need to be evaluated in the context of both refractory and relapsed disease; in older patients and those with co-morbid conditions; and those with neurocognitive dysfunction. A deeper understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms underpinning rrPCNSL and its unique tumor microenvironment is urgently needed to inform biologically rational and effective therapies. rrPCNSL remains a clear unmet clinical need and a high priority area for clinical research that will require national and international collaborative studies with embedded translational science in order to improve outcomes for patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/aol-21-20). The series “Central Nervous System Lymphomas” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. CPF has received research funding from BeiGene, Roche, Abbvie, Takeda and Gilead; Consultancy fees from Roche, Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Ono Pharma, Incyte, GenMab, Atarabio, BMS/Celgene, Securabio, Gilead, Takeda; and speaker fees from Janssen, Roche, Incyte, Takeda. PA and ND received institutional research grant supported by Jonathan D. Lewis Foundation. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

Drug repositioning is a promising and powerful innovative strategy in the field of drug discovery. In this study, we screened a compound-library containing 800 Food and Drug Administration approved drugs for their anti-leukemic effect. All screening activities made use of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), isolated from healthy or leukemic donors. Compounds with confirmed cytotoxicity were selected and classified in three groups: i) anti-neoplastic compounds which are drugs used in leukemia treatment, ii) compounds known to have an anti-cancer effect and iii) compounds demonstrating an anti-leukemic potential for the first time. The latter group was the most interesting from a drug repositioning perspective and yielded a single compound, namely Isoprenaline which is a non-selective β-adrenergic agonist. Analysis of the cytotoxic effect of this drug indicated that it induces sustainable intracellular ATP depletion leading, over time, to necrotic cell death. We exploited the Isoprenaline-induced intracellular ATP depletion to sensitize primary leukemic cells to fludarabine (purine analogue) and Ibrutinib (Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor) treatment. In-vitro treatment of primary leukemic cells with a combination of Isoprenaline/fludarabine or Isoprenaline/Ibrutinib showed a very high synergistic effect. These combinations could constitute a new efficient regimen for CLL treatment following successful evaluation in animal models and clinical trials., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Nehdi, Samman, Mashhour, Alhallaj, Trivilegio, Gul, Reinshagen, Alaskar, Gmati, Abuelgasim, Mansour and Boudjelal.)

Anti-CD20-mediated B-cell depletion effectively reduces acute multiple sclerosis (MS) flares. Recent data shows that antibody-mediated extinction of B cells as a lasting immune suppression, harbors the risk of developing humoral deficiencies over time. Accordingly, more selective, durable and reversible B-cell-directed MS therapies are needed. We here tested inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), an enzyme centrally involved in B-cell receptor signaling, as the most promising approach in this direction. Using mouse models of MS, we determined that evobrutinib, the first BTK inhibiting molecule being developed, dose-dependently inhibited antigen-triggered activation and maturation of B cells as well as their release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Most importantly, evobrutinib treatment functionally impaired the capacity of B cells to act as antigen-presenting cells for the development of encephalitogenic T cells, resulting in a significantly reduced disease severity in mice. In contrast to anti-CD20, BTK inhibition silenced this key property of B cells in MS without impairing their frequency or functional integrity. In conjunction with a recent phase II trial reporting that evobrutinib is safe and effective in MS, our mechanistic data highlight therapeutic BTK inhibition as a landmark towards selectively interfering with MS-driving B-cell properties.

Introduction: B cells have increasingly come under the spotlight as mediators of inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). B cell depletion via the targeting of the surface molecule CD20 has proven to be highly effective; however, continuous absence of an integral component of the immune system may cause safety concerns over time. Declining humoral competence and potential immune system impairments are key issues, and moreover, unselective removal of B cells reduces immune system control functions which should preferably be maintained in inflammatory CNS disease., Areas Covered: This paper illuminates the novel approach of specific interference with B cell signaling by targeting Bruton´s tyrosine kinase (BTK). We discuss the role of BTK within the B cell receptor (BCR) signaling cascade and BTK inhibition as a promising strategy to control inflammatory CNS disease which crucially excludes immune-cell depletion. We searched PubMed or clinicaltrials.gov for the terms 'BTK inhibition' or 'Bruton´s Tyrosine Kinase' or 'anti-CD20' and 'Multiple Sclerosis'., Expert Opinion: BTK inhibition has shown effectiveness in preclinical models of CNS disease and MS clinical trials. Further studies are necessary to differentiate this approach from B cell depletion and to position it in the armamentarium of therapeutics.

The Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi), acalabrutinib, ibrutinib, and zanubrutinib, are all approved in the United States for the treatment of relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). BTKi as a class have become the preferred therapy for most of the patients with relapsed MCL, and ongoing clinical trials are evaluating whether combining BTKi with other targeted agents may deepen response and further improve outcomes. Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of BTKi-containing combinations as frontline treatment, and clinical studies to define the role of this class of drugs for newly diagnosed patients with MCL are in progress., Competing Interests: Disclosure D.A. Bond has nothing to disclose. K.J. Maddocks has received advisory honoraria from Astra-Zeneca, Pharmacyclics, and Celgene., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and causes prolonged arthralgia in patients. After crossing the mosquito midgut barrier, the virus disseminates to tissues including the head and salivary glands. To better understand the interaction between Aedes albopictus and CHIKV, we performed RNASeq analysis on pools of mosquito heads and parts of the thorax 8 days post infection, which identified 159 differentially expressed transcripts in infected mosquitos compared to uninfected controls. After validation using RT-qPCR (reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction), inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase ( BTKi ), which has previously been shown to be anti-inflammatory in mammals after viral infection, was further evaluated for its functional significance. Knockdown of BTKi using double-stranded RNA in a mosquito cell line showed no significant difference in viral RNA or infectivity titer. However, BTKi gene knocked-down cells showed increased apoptosis 24 hours post-infection compared with control cells, suggesting involvement of BTKi in the mosquito response to viral infection. Since BTK in mammals promotes an inflammatory response and has been shown to be involved in osteoclastogenesis, a hallmark of CHIKV pathogenesis, our results suggest a possible conserved mechanism at play between mosquitoes and mammals. Taken together, these results will add to our understanding of Aedes Albopictus interactions with CHIKV.