New hope for CLL patients: a drug that may spare the heart

NCT ID NCT06757647

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether acalabrutinib, a drug similar to ibrutinib, is safer for the heart in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Many patients on ibrutinib develop heart side effects and have to stop treatment. Researchers will give acalabrutinib to 61 adults with CLL who had heart problems on ibrutinib, and use heart MRIs to check if their heart function improves or stays stable. The goal is to find a treatment that controls the cancer without harming the heart.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Acalabrutinib
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that acalabrutinib is a heart-friendlier option for CLL patients who had heart problems with ibrutinib, allowing them to continue effective cancer treatment.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study (61 people) with no control group, so results may not apply broadly. Acalabrutinib may still cause heart issues or not control the cancer as well.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

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