Positioning blinatumomab in the frontline of adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment

Blinatumomab is a bispecific T cell engager that has shown efficacy in relapsed/refractory Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive and Ph-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Considering its favorable safety and activity in advanced ALL, blinatumomab as a targeted immunotherapy is fast gaining a frontline position in the ALL treatment paradigm. There have been multiple completed and ongoing studies showing significant promise with improved response rates and survival outcomes and decreased treatment toxicity and need for multi-agent chemotherapy regimens. The early use of blinatumomab has established success in Ph-negative and Ph-positive B-ALL, and this has extended to older adults with ALL who have historically had substantially inferior outcomes compared to their pediatric and young adult counterparts. Herein we will review the current data describing the early use of blinatumomab in newly diagnosed adults with B-cell ALL and future directions.

Automated summary

Blinatumomab is an effective targeted immunotherapy for relapsed/refractory Philadelphia chromosome-positive and Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with favorable safety and activity. Multiple completed and ongoing studies have shown promising results, including improved response rates and survival outcomes, decreased treatment toxicity, and reduced need for multi-agent chemotherapy regimens. The early use of blinatumomab has demonstrated success in both Ph-negative and Ph-positive B-ALL, even in older adults with historically inferior outcomes. This review summarizes the current data and future directions for the early use of blinatumomab in newly diagnosed adults with B-cell ALL.