Truxima (rituximab) vs Calquence (acalabrutinib)

Truxima (rituximab) vs Calquence (acalabrutinib)

Truxima (rituximab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein found on the surface of B cells, and it is commonly used in the treatment of certain types of blood cancers, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a small molecule inhibitor that specifically targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is important for the development and functioning of B cells; it is used in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. When deciding between Truxima and Calquence, a patient should consider factors such as the specific type and stage of their disease, their overall health, potential side effects, and the mechanism of action of each drug, in consultation with their healthcare provider.

Difference between Truxima and Calquence

Metric Truxima (rituximab) Calquence (acalabrutinib)
Generic name Rituximab Acalabrutinib
Indications Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis Mantle cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma
Mechanism of action CD20-directed cytolytic antibody Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor
Brand names Truxima, Rituxan, MabThera Calquence
Administrative route Intravenous infusion Oral
Side effects Infusion reactions, fever, lymphopenia, chills, infection Headache, diarrhea, muscle pain, fatigue, bruising
Contraindications Severe active infections, severe immunodeficiency, hypersensitivity to rituximab or any component of the product Hypersensitivity to acalabrutinib or any component of the product, severe bleeding, coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors
Drug class Monoclonal antibody Small molecule kinase inhibitor
Manufacturer Celltrion Healthcare, Genentech AstraZeneca

Efficacy

Efficacy of Truxima (rituximab) for Lymphoma

Truxima, a biosimilar to the original rituximab product, is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 antigen on the surface of pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. It is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and is effective in inducing remission in several types of B-cell lymphomas. Clinical trials have demonstrated that rituximab, in combination with chemotherapy, significantly improves overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common form of NHL. Additionally, rituximab has been shown to be beneficial in the management of other B-cell lymphomas, including follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, particularly when used as part of an initial treatment regimen or as maintenance therapy.

Efficacy of Calquence (acalabrutinib) for Lymphoma

Calquence, or acalabrutinib, is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in adults who have received at least one prior therapy. This medication works by inhibiting the enzyme BTK, which plays a crucial role in the survival and proliferation of malignant B cells. Clinical trials have shown that acalabrutinib is effective in achieving a high rate of response in relapsed or refractory MCL, with a significant proportion of patients achieving complete remission. The drug is also associated with a favorable safety profile and has been approved for use based on the overall response rate and duration of response observed in clinical studies.

Both Truxima and Calquence have shown efficacy in the treatment of different types of lymphoma, addressing the disease through distinct mechanisms of action. While Truxima is effective across a broader range of B-cell lymphomas, Calquence has shown particular efficacy in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma after prior therapies. The choice of treatment is dependent on the specific type of lymphoma, the stage of the disease, previous treatments, and the patient's overall health status.

It is important to note that the efficacy of these medications can vary from patient to patient, and their use should be guided by a healthcare professional with expertise in the treatment of lymphoma. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of these medications, as well as their potential use in combination with other therapies for the management of lymphoma.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Truxima
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)
Calquence
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

Access Truxima or Calquence today

If Truxima or Calquence are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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