Blinatumomab following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation - a novel approach for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in infants

Abstract

Blinatumomab with subsequent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation was applied in 13 infants with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Eight patients were treated in first remission due to slow clearance of minimal residual disease (MRD); one for MRD-reappearance after long MRD negativity, one for primary refractory disease and three during relapse treatment. In slow MRD responders, complete MRD response was achieved prior to transplantation, with an 18-month event-free survival of 75%. In contrast, only one of five patients with relapsed/refractory ALL is still in complete remission. These data provide a basis for future studies of immunotherapy in very high-risk infant ALL.

Keywords: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia; blinatumomab; haematopoietic stem cell transplantation; infants; minimal residual disease.