Abstract
Ibrutinib is an irreversible BTK inhibitor, characterized by high selectivity and
potency. It has revolutionized the therapy of B-cell lymphomas, especially chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma. Importantly, it has expanded
the armamentarium for those patients who are refractory to conventional chemoimmunotherapy.
This small-molecule inhibitor has shown efficacy in this difficult-to-treat subset
– those with del(17p)/TP53-mutated CLL. Its immunomodulatory properties make it an
excellent choice for combining with other immunotherapeutic agents such as venetoclax.
The drug is not without drawbacks. The need for indefinite therapy and the presence
of adverse effects such as infection, bleeding, hypertension, and arrhythmia temper
our enthusiasm for this versatile drug. But overall, ibrutinib's favorable risk profile
and lack of myelosuppression make it an ideal therapy for the elderly and those with
multiple comorbidities.
Keywords
Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors - chronic lymphocytic leukemia - ibrutinib