A 25-year-old woman with a history of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia over ten years ago was referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of leukoblastosis. She was participating in a JPLSG (Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group) clinical study at that time. We diagnosed ALL relapse by multi-color flow cytometric analysis of bone marrow samples at admission, with reference to previous JPLSG data. Because her leukemic cells were resistant to conventional cytotoxic agents, she proceeded to lymphocyte apheresis for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T, Tisagenlecleucel [Tisa-cel]). She received two cycles of inotuzumab ozogamicin as a bridging therapy to Tisa-cel, resulting in a hematological complete remission (minimal residual disease measured by polymerase chain reaction [PCR-MRD] was positive at 1.0×10-4). She was finally administered Tisa-cel and achieved MRD negativity. She is currently in complete remission with careful MRD monitoring. This strategy of sequential bi-targeted therapy combining antibody conjugates and CAR-T cells provides tumor control in deeper remission and minimal damage to organ function through reduced use of cytotoxic anti-tumor agents. Therefore, we believe that this therapeutic strategy is an effective and rational treatment for adolescent and young adult ALL patients.
Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Adolescent and young adult ALL; Inotuzumab ozogamicin; Tisagenlecleucel.