Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive type of leukemia that carries poor prognosis in adults especially in the setting of high risk cytogenetics and relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease. Advancements in immunotherapy have led to the development of several monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells that are capable of targeting certain surface antigens on leukemic cells, resulting in their destruction. Areas covered: This article reviews the mechanism of action, outcomes of various trials, and adverse effects of MoAbs and CAR-T cells used in the treatment of precursor B-cell ALL. Expert commentary: Some of the immunotherapeutic agents that have been approved for the treatment of R/R precursor B-cell ALL have shown superior efficacy and safety profile compared to chemotherapy in advanced disease. Several trials are now being conducted to evaluate the role of certain MoAbs in combination with chemotherapy in the treatment of B-cell ALL. Additionally, their use in the frontline setting with more favorable host characteristics may also result in superior outcomes compared to the current standard of care.
Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; blinatumomab; chimeric antigen receptor T cells; epratuzumab; immunotherapy; inotuzumab ozogamicin; monoclonal antibodies; precursor B-cell; refractory/relapsed; rituximab.