Calquence

Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a targeted cancer treatment used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), in certain patients. It helps slow the progression of cancer and helps extend patients’ lives. Calquence works by blocking a protein called Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), which plays a key role in cancer cell growth and division. By inhibiting BTK, Calquence helps to slow cancer growth.

Benefits

• Offers a targeted treatment for CLL, SLL, and MCL by selectively inhibiting BTK.
• Demonstrated high response rates and durable remissions in clinical studies.
• Can be used as first-line therapy or in relapsed/refractory settings.
• Lower risk of some side effects compared to earlier BTK inhibitors (e.g., ibrutinib).
• Convenient oral capsules, taken at home, improving quality of life and treatment adherence.
• May delay or eliminate the need for chemotherapy in some patients.

Dosage

• Standard dose: 100 mg orally every 12 hours (total of 200 mg/day).
• Capsules should be swallowed whole with water, with or without food.
• Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Dose adjustments may be required in the case of side effects or drug interactions.

Warnings and Precautions

• Serious infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) may occur; monitor for fever, cough, or other infection signs.
• Risk of bleeding, including severe and fatal cases; caution in patients on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders.
• May cause atrial fibrillation or other heart rhythm abnormalities; patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored.
• Can lead to cytopenias (low blood cell counts); regular blood tests are necessary.
• Second primary cancers, including skin cancers, have been reported; sun protection is recommended.
• Use with caution in patients with liver impairment.
• Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Effective contraception is required during and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, which can alter acalabrutinib levels significantly.

Usage Instructions

• Take one capsule (100 mg) every 12 hours, consistently at the same times each day.
• Swallow capsules whole; do not open, crush, or chew.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible unless it’s within 3 hours of the next dose—then skip the missed dose.
• Regular monitoring (blood tests, ECGs, checkups) is essential during treatment.
• Do not stop treatment unless directed by your doctor.

Common Side Effects

Mild to moderate effects: headache, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, cough, nausea, easy bruising.

Serious (seek medical attention): signs of infection (such as fever, chills, or sore throat), irregular heartbeat or chest discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling or difficulty breathing, sudden weight gain, severe headaches, or changes in vision or mental status, and any new or changing skin lesions that could indicate skin cancer.