Evaluation of bleeding events in patients receiving acalabrutinib therapy

A study reviewed the medical records of 289 patients with B-cell malignancies treated with acalabrutinib, a selective Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to have less toxicity than the first-generation inhibitor, ibrutinib. The study found that 83% of patients experienced at least one bleeding event, with most being clinically non-relevant. However, age over 65, prior bleed history, and longer time on acalabrutinib therapy were identified as independent risk factors for clinically relevant minor/major bleeds. The study also found that the incidence of clinically relevant minor/major bleeds related to procedures was low. Clinical trials using acalabrutinib have shown similar rates of bleeding events, with most being minor, but major hemorrhage has been observed in 2-5% of cases.