Taking a "BiTE out of ALL": blinatumomab approval for MRD-positive ALL

Blood. 2019 Apr 18;133(16):1715-1719. doi: 10.1182/blood-2018-12-852376. Epub 2019 Feb 22.

Abstract

Blinatumomab, a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) associated with improved survival in relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), was recently approved for treatment of minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD is an important predictor of survival in ALL, and recent studies suggest that achievement of MRD-negativity with blinatumomab improves outcomes in patients with ALL. However, further research is needed to determine how to optimally incorporate blinatumomab, and other novel therapies, into current therapies for ALL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bispecific / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm, Residual / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm, Residual / mortality
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / mortality
  • Salvage Therapy / methods
  • Salvage Therapy / mortality

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bispecific
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • blinatumomab