In a nutshell
This study aimed to compare outcomes of blinatumomab treatment and standard of care treatment for patients with relapsed/unresponsive Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
This study concluded that blinatumomab is a more suitable treatment for these patients than standard of care treatment.
Some background
Blinatumomab (Blincyto) is a targeted therapy. It is used as a second-line treatment for Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A previous phase study showed that blinatumomab is safe and effective in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL. However, blinatumomab had not been compared to standard of care (SOC) treatment in these patients.
Methods & findings
This study involved 45 adult patients with Ph+ ALL who were r/r to at least one tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). TKIs are a type of targeted therapy. This group received blinatumomab treatment. This study also involved 55 patients with Ph+ ALL who received SOC chemotherapy.
The rate of complete remission (all signs of cancer gone) or complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (blood count) was 36% for the blinatumomab group. This was compared to 25% for the SOC group. Patients treated with blinatumomab had a 54% higher chance of achieving complete remission compared to SOC. The overall survival rate was 19% higher for the blinatumomab group when compared to the SOC group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that blinatumomab is a better treatment option for patients with r/r Ph+ ALL when compared to SOC.
The fine print
This study had a small number of participants. Further larger studies are needed.
Published By :
Cancer
Date :
Oct 18, 2019
