On 6 August 2026, NICE recommended acalabrutinib (Calquence®, AstraZeneca) in two combination regimens for first-line treatment of blood cancers. Acalabrutinib plus bendamustine and rituximab was recommended for adults with untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant, with approximately 350 patients expected to benefit. Acalabrutinib plus venetoclax (without obinutuzumab) was recommended for adults with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), with approximately 440 patients expected to benefit. 1
References
1. Hundreds to benefit from new treatment option for mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. NICE. 6 August 2026. https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/hundreds-of-people-are-set-to-benefit-from-new-treatment-option-for-newly-diagnosed-mantle-cell-lymphoma-and-chronic-lymphocytic-leukaemia
2. NICE includes children in updated guidance for allergy medicine. The Pharmaceutical Journal. 14 August 2026. https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/nice-includes-children-in-updated-guidance-for-allergy-medicine
