Blinatumomab: new antibody treatment for acute lymphocytic leukaemia

Blincyto (blinatumomab) is licensed for the treatment of adults with Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Further information
View Blincyto drug record 
Summary of Product Characteristics
Manufacturer: Amgen

The antibody is a bispecific T-cell engager that binds to CD19 on the surface of cells in B-lineage origin and CD3 expressed on the surface of T-cells. Blinatumomab activates endogenous T-cells by connecting to CD3 in the T-cell receptor complex with CD19 on benign and malignant B-cells. The formation of a cytolytic synapse between the T-cell and the tumour cell causes the release of proteolytic enzymes, which kills both proliferating and resting target cells.

Patients may receive 2 cycles of treatment. A single cycle of treatment is 4 weeks of continuous infusion. followed by a 2-week treatment-free interval. Patients who have achieved complete remission after 2 treatment cycles may receive up to 3 additional cycles of blinatumomab treatment, based on an individual risk-benefit assessment.