Outcome of Ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia-Real world experience from a developing country.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibrutinib, a bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in previously untreated or relapsed/refractory CLL patients from Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation. Period: January 2023 to December 2024. Methods: A total of 35 CLL patients were included in the study. Patients were administered 420 mg of oral ibrutinib daily until disease progression or emergence of intolerable side effects. Descriptive analysis was calculated as means and percentages using the statistical package for the social sciences version 23.0. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The median age of the patient was 56 years. Del17p was detected in eight patients (22.9%). The median follow-up period in patients receiving ibrutinib as first line therapy was 29 months while it was 41 months in relapsed/refractory group. Results showed an overall response rate of 50% for first-line ibrutinib therapy and 45.5% for second-line treatment. Median overall survival could not be established. Hematologic recovery was observed in patients with pre-existing cytopenia(s). Grade 3–4 hematological toxicities were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ibrutinib in Pakistani CLL patients, both as first-line and subsequent therapy.