Key clinical point: Progression-free survival was superior with acalabrutinib versus rituximab plus either idelalisib or bendamustine in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Major finding: The hazard ratio for progression with acalabrutinib was 0.31 (P less than .001).

Study details: An open-label, randomized phase 3 trial in 310 patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Disclosures: The ASCEND trial is sponsored by Acerta Pharma; AstraZeneca holds majority shares in the company. Dr. Ghia reported receiving consulting fees and honoraria from AstraZeneca and other companies and research funding from several different companies.