Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is a BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitor, meaning it works by blocking a protein that signals cancer cells to grow. It's taken as a pill once or twice a day.
Over time, it has received FDA approval for several types of lymphoma, including:
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) — after at least one Show Full Answer
Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) is a BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitor, meaning it works by blocking a protein that signals cancer cells to grow. It's taken as a pill once or twice a day.
Over time, it has received FDA approval for several types of lymphoma, including:
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) — after at least one prior treatment
- Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM)
- Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) — relapsed or refractory, after at least one anti-CD20-based treatment
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
- Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma — in combination with obinutuzumab, after at least two prior treatments As with any medication, it's worth knowing the potential side effects. Common ones include:
- Anemia
- Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
- Rash
- Bruising
- Diarrhea
- Cough
There are also some rarer but more serious risks, such as bleeding, infections, irregular heartbeat, liver damage, and a small chance of secondary cancers. It's also not recommended during pregnancy.
Always speak with your doctor about whether Brukinsa is appropriate for your specific situation.
July 22