Efficacy and safety of bispecific T-cell engager blinatumomab and the potential to improve leukemia-free survival in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Introduction: Immunotherapy is a promising modality of treatment of neoplastic diseases, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The CD19/CD3-bispecific T cell–engaging (BiTE®) monoclonal antibody blinatumomab can transiently bind cytotoxic T cells to CD19+ target B cells of ALL inducing their serial lysis. Areas covered: This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of blinatumomab used for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) ALL and minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive B-cell precursor (BCP) ALL in adults and children, as well as the future prospects of this drug in the treatment of ALL. Expert commentary: Blinatumomab has demonstrated encouraging response rates in MRD-positive and R/R in adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive and -negative ALL, as well as in children with R/R ALL. Blinatumomab has a favorable safety profile, although reversible CNS events and cytokine release syndrome can occur. Ongoing trials in ALL incorporate blinatumomab in the first line therapy of BCP ALL in combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapies or other immunotherapies with the aim of increasing the depth of the remission and decreasing the probability of relapse.