Ibrutinib: a new targeted therapy for hematologic cancers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hematologic cancers can occur from the overactivity of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a proto-oncogene in blood cell maturation. Ibrutinib, a new oral targeted therapy drug, is the first agent that binds to the Bruton's tyrosine kinases and inhibits overgrowth of B cells. In blocking this overgrowth, ibrutinib has been shown to achieve lengthy remissions for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Remissions are highly valued in these cancers; cure is rare in MCL, and CLL is incurable.

OBJECTIVES:

This article reviews ibrutinib, its risks and benefits, and the role that oncology nurses play in educating patients and promoting drug adherence.

METHODS:

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using key words such as ibrutinib, mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and oral chemotherapy.

FINDINGS:

Ibrutinib has been shown to be well tolerated, with manageable, low-grade toxicities compared to traditional cytotoxic agents. For all patients with a hematologic cancer, but particularly for the large proportion of older adults affected by hematologic malignancies, ibrutinib provides a new treatment option with a low toxicity profile.

• Authors: Caroline R Smithson, Susan M Schneider
• Journal: Clinical journal of oncology nursing (Clin J Oncol Nurs) Vol. 19 Issue 3 Pg. E47-51 (Jun 2015) ISSN: 1538-067X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26000590 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• MAS1 protein, human
• Piperidines
• Proto-Oncogene Mas
• Pyrazoles
• Pyrimidines
• ibrutinib
• Adenine

Topics

• Adenine (analogs & derivatives)
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacology)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Drug Interactions
• Hematologic Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Piperidines
• Proto-Oncogene Mas
• Pyrazoles (pharmacology)
• Pyrimidines (pharmacology)