Chemotherapy

[cocopurp]

I was diagnosed with cll in 2012. Went on 6 months of iv chemo in 2017. Was in remission for awhile and on one of my returned visited things had changed. My doctor wanted me to try the chemotherapy treatment of Calquence(acalabrutinib) tablets. For me the results was coming very slow but was working. At this point my numbers are very good after being on it for about 5 years.

It's very expensive but was put in a program to help with cost. Had a port in for six year and finally had it taken out. I take the medicine but depend more on by healing from my faith in God. Hope you get better and find the right medicine for you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Linda Walton.

[Sushibruno]

warm hugs cocopurp🤗

[cocopurp in reply to Sushibruno]

Thank you and warm hugs to you as well.

[LeoPa]

Hi Acalabrutinib is not chemotherapy. It is immunotherapy.

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to LeoPa]

Immunotherapies use the immune system to destroy cancer cells, so with CLL, think monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab and obinutuzumab. That's why BR and FCR are termed chemoimmunotherapy; the bendamustine (B) or fluradarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) are the chemo and the mabs are the immunotherapy component.

Acalabrutinib is an inhibitor therapy, specifically a Brutons Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) Inhibitor or BTKi treatment. BTK is in the B Cell Receptor pathway. Blocking signalling through the BTK kinase block the "stay alive" signalling the CLL cell relies on to prevent apoptosis. With signalling blocked, the CLL cell enters apoptosis and eventually dies.

[LeoPa in reply to AussieNeil]

Thanks for the correction!

[Sushibruno in reply to AussieNeil]

“Staying alive, Staying alive ahhh ahhh aahhhh ahhhh sstayyiiinggg allliivveee” 🙌🙌😂