The Use of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia

Obada Ababneh; Hassan Abushukair; Aref Qarqash; Sebawe Syaj; Samer Al Hadidi

doi:10.1007/s44228-022-00007-5

The Use of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia

Clin Hematol Int. 2022 May 23;4(1-2):21-29. doi: 10.1007/s44228-022-00007-5. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Authors

Obada Ababneh¹, Hassan Abushukair¹, Aref Qarqash¹, Sebawe Syaj¹, Samer Al Hadidi²

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. 22110, Irbid, Jordan.
² Myeloma Center, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA.

Abstract

The use of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM) is evolving. Ibrutinib, a first-generation BTK inhibitor, is currently approved for use in frontline and relapsed/refractory disease. Second-generation BTK inhibitors are being used and studied to improve clinical outcomes and/or safety profile. Zanubrutinib, one such second-generation inhibitor, was recently approved in treatment-naive and refractory/relapsed patients. Here, we review the use of BTK inhibitors in WM in front-line and refractory or relapsed settings. We also highlight common adverse events, the emergence of BTK inhibitors resistance, and future directions of their use.

Keywords: Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Ibrutinib; Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia; Zanubrutinib.

Publication types

Review