Jeffrey Jones, MD, MPH from the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH discusses the characteristics and mode of action of ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ibrutinib targets the B-cell receptor signaling pathway, specifically inhibiting the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). BTK is mutated in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia and consequently born without mature B-cells. From this knowledge it was hypothesized that pharmacological inhibition of BTK could eradicate abnormally functioning B-cells, and so ibrutinib was developed. Ibrutinib is orally bioavailable and only needs to be taken once a day, with a lasting effect of 24 hours. According to Dr Jones most patients see improvement in symptoms soon after treatment, followed by marked regression of palpable lymphadenopathy and a rise in blood lymphocyte count. Dr Jones further discusses the toxicity of ibrutinib. Recorded at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2016 Annual Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
