Phase 2 study of first-line ibrutinib plus rituximab for mantle cell lymphoma in older patients

Ibrutinib is an approved Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor for relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). A phase 2 study at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) evaluated the combination of ibrutinib and rituximab for newly-diagnosed MCL in older patients (aged 65 years and over). The combination was effective, with a best overall response rate of 96% and complete response rate of 71%. Three-year PFS was 87% and threeyear OS was 94%. Treatment-related intolerance, especially atrial fibrillation, was noticeable in comparison with other treatments in elderly patients with MCL. Patients should be evaluated for cardiac risk factors before receiving the combination.