New Treatment For Follicular Lymphoma: Understanding BTK Inhibitors

Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing type of blood cancer affecting white blood cells called B cells. These cells, crucial for a healthy immune system, become abnormal and can accumulate in the lymph nodes. While currently incurable, FL often responds well to treatment, and many patients experience long periods of remission. In fact, about 80% of people diagnosed with FL live for 10 years or more.

However, finding effective treatments for relapsed or refractory cases remains a key challenge. This article delves into a groundbreaking class of FDA-approved treatment for follicular lymphoma: BTK inhibitors.

BTK Inhibitors: A Targeted Approach to Treat Follicular Lymphoma

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are designed to specifically target and eliminate cancerous B cells, the cells driving follicular lymphoma growth. Here's how they work:

• Blocking the BTK protein: BTK inhibitors bind to a protein called BTK found on the surface of B cells. This protein is essential for the growth and survival of these cells.
• Stopping cancer growth: By blocking BTK, these inhibitors prevent the abnormal B cells from multiplying and spreading, effectively putting the brakes on cancer growth.
• Enhancing other treatments: BTK inhibitors can also make cancer cells more vulnerable to other treatments, improving their effectiveness when administered together.

Approved BTK Inhibitors for Follicular Lymphoma

BTK inhibitors have been extensively studied in different types of B-cell lymphoma. The FDA approved in March 2024 the first BTK inhibitor to treat relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma:

• Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa, BeiGene), approved in combination with obinutuzumab (Gazyva, Genentech), has shown significant success in clinical trials, leading to longer-lasting responses compared to obinutuzumab alone.

Multiple ongoing clinical trials are exploring the efficacy and safety of zanubrutinib and other BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib and acalabrutinib) given alone or in combination to treat newly diagnosed patients with follicular lymphoma. Explore your options to join a clinical trial with HealthTree Clinical Trial Finder:

Find Open Clinical Trials for Follicular Lymphoma

What are BTK Inhibitors Side Effects?

Like all medications, BTK inhibitors can cause side effects. Common side effects may include:

• Altered blood cell counts: decreased platelets and white blood cells, anemia
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle, joint, abdominal or back pain
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Infections
• Vomiting
• Cough
• Rash

It's important to remember that everyone responds to treatment differently. Your doctor will work closely with you to identify and manage any side effects early and ensure the best possible outcome.

Looking Ahead

The approval of BTK inhibitors marks a significant step forward in treating follicular lymphoma. Researchers continue to investigate the potential of these drugs, both as single agents and in combination with other therapies, offering hope for even more effective and well-tolerated treatments in the future.

Continue learning about treatment options for follicular lymphoma with our 101 articles: What are the Treatments for Follicular Lymphoma?