How is this drug name pronounced?
Blinatumomab: Blin-a-TOOM-oh-mab
Blincyto: Blin-SITE-oh
What cancer(s) does this drug treat?
B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Blincyto is approved for:
- Adults and children with B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) who had been treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, but the cancer either did not respond to treatment (refractory) or has since returned (relapsed). The cancer cells must express the CD19 molecule on their surface.
B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) which is MRD-positive
Blincyto is approved for:
- Adults and children with B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) for whom chemotherapy was mostly successful, but a small number of cancer cells still remain (a condition known as Minimal Residual Disease [MRD]). These cells may put the patient at an increased risk of relapse, and Blincyto can be prescribed to eliminate all remaining traces of the cancer. The cancer cells must express the CD19 molecule on their surface.
Limitations of use
Neonates: For the treatment of neonates, preservative-free formulations of Blincyto should be used.
Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Blincyto is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Appropriate contraceptive measures should be used by patients of child-bearing potential while receiving Blincyto, and for two days after the last dose. Due to the potential for harm in a breastfed child, patients should not breastfeed during treatment with Blincyto or for two days after the last dose of Blincyto.
Effects on the ability to drive and use machines: Patients are advised to refrain from driving, engaging in hazardous occupations or activities, and operating heavy machinery during therapy with Blincyto.
What type of immunotherapy is this?
How does this drug work?
Targets:
Blincyto is a “bispecific antibody”. Antibodies are molecules which can bind to a particular target molecule. Bispecific antibodies are artificially made in the laboratory and can bind to two different targets at the same time. Blincyto binds to:
- a molecule called CD19 on the surface of a leukemic B cell. CD19 is found on the surface of all human B cells, where it is almost always present due to its importance to their normal function, however it is also present on the surface of B-precursor ALL cells.
- a molecule called CD3 on the surface of a T cell – the primary immune cell involved in killing cancer cells. CD3 is part of the T cell receptor, which is critical to the function of the T cell and is involved in stimulating the T cell to become active.
Because Blincyto can bind to one molecule on leukemic B cells and one on T cells at the same time, it acts as a bridge and keeps the T cell in close contact with the leukemic B cell. By binding CD3 on the T cell, Blincyto also stimulates the T cell to become activated and kill nearby cells. Bispecific antibodies that direct T cells to kill cancer cells by binding to both cells at the same time are known as bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs).
How is the drug given to the patient?
Blincyto is administered via a tube into a vein (intravenous infusion, or I.V.) continuously for 28 days, followed by a break of 14 days. The combined period of the 28-day treatment and the 14-day break is one “cycle”. Blincyto is administered across multiple treatment cycles.
One hour prior to the first dose of Blincyto in each cycle, adult patients are pre-medicated with an anti-inflammatory drug (prednisone or equivalent). Pediatric patients are pre-medicated with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone prior to the first dose of Blincyto in the first cycle, and when restarting an infusion after any interruptions of 4 or more hours in the first cycle.
Hospitalization is recommended for the first 9 days of the first cycle for patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL (who had been treated with chemotherapy, but it either did not work or stopped working) and the first 3 days of the first treatment cycle for patients with minimal residual disease B-ALL. For subsequent cycles, fewer hospitalization days are required. Hospitalization or supervision by a healthcare professional is also recommended for all subsequent cycle starts, and when restarting an infusion after any interruptions.
The first treatment cycle (for patients with minimal residual disease B-ALL) or the first two cycles (for patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL) are intended to drastically reduce or eliminate leukemic cells and decrease cancer-associated symptoms. These are called “induction cycles”. After the induction cycle(s), up to three more cycles are administered in order to further reduce the leukemic cells and prevent the disease from returning after discontinuing Blincyto. These are called “consolidation cycles”. Patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL can then receive up to 4 additional cycles of Blincyto with a break of 56 days (“continued therapy”).
What are the observed clinical results?
It is important to keep in mind that each patient’s outcome is individual and may be different from the results found in the clinical studies. In addition, immunotherapy can sometimes take several months to yield an observable treatment response.
Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)
In a clinical trial of 405 adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-ALL (who had been treated with chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, but it either did not work or stopped working), patients treated with Blincyto were alive for a median of 8 months, while patients treated with standard-of-care chemotherapy were alive for a median of 4 months. 42% of patients treated with Blincyto had their cancer completely disappear (complete remission), compared to 20% of patients achieving complete remission with a physician’s choice of any of 4 standard-of-care chemotherapies.
In a clinical trial of 45 adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-ALL who had been previously treated with imatinib (Gleevec) and other targeted therapies, but for whom treatment either did not work, stopped working, or was stopped because it caused severe side effects for the patient, 36% of patients treated with Blincyto had their cancer completely disappear (complete remission). The remission lasted for a median of 7 months.
In a trial of 70 pediatric patients (under 18 years of age) with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-ALL that had returned or had not responded to previous treatments, 33% of patients treated with Blincyto had their cancer completely disappear (complete remission). The remission lasted for a median of 6 months.
MRD-positive B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)
In a clinical trial of 86 patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) B-ALL, leukemia cells could no longer be detected in 81% of the patients after one cycle of Blincyto.
What are the potential side effects?
The most common side effects of Blincyto include fever, infusion-related reactions, infections, headache, low red and white blood cell counts, and low platelet counts.
Blincyto targets the CD19 molecule, which, while present on leukemic B cells, is also present on normal B cells. As a result, Blincyto can kill normal B cells, increasing the risk of serious infections.. Other side effects, such as pancreatitis, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurological toxicities, and tumor lysis syndrome can become serious or life-threatening. Patients and caregivers receive careful instructions to monitor for signs and symptoms related to these side effects, and each of these conditions are managed by the health care provider.
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS)
CRS is caused by a widespread release of molecules called cytokines, which can cause inflammation and can affect the function of various organs. Cytokines may be released by the T cells to which Blincyto binds, or by other immune cells in the patient’s body. Signs and symptoms of CRS include fever, headache, nausea, low blood pressure, and weakness. CRS typically occurs 2 days after the start of Blincyto infusion. A healthcare provider should be immediately notified if symptoms occur.
Neurological toxicities Some of the cytokines released during CRS can result in disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to the development of neurological toxicities (including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome [ICANS]). Symptoms of neurological toxicities include headache, tremors, seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, difficulty with speech, and loss of balance. Neurological toxicities typically occur within the first two weeks of treatment with Blincyto.
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) TLS is toxicity caused by the rapid breakdown of cancer cells. It can be severe or life-threatening. Symptoms of TLS include nausea, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dark or cloudy urine, reduced urine production, unusual tiredness, and muscle cramps.
For a more complete list of possible side effects, see the full prescribing information.
Manufacturer
Amgen
Approval
FDA and EMA
Links to drug websites
Last updated: March 13, 2024
How is this drug name pronounced?
Blinatumomab: Blin-a-TOOM-oh-mab
Blincyto: Blin-SITE-oh
What cancer(s) does this drug treat?
B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
Blincyto is approved for:
- Children (≥ 1year old)with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have been previously treated with at least two different types of chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, but the cancer either did not respond to treatment (refractory) or has since returned (relapsed). The cancer cells must have the CD19 molecule on their cell surface.
- Children (≥ 1year old) with high-risk Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia whose disease came back after the first treatment, and who are now being treated with chemotherapy before allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In such cases, patients may receive Blincyto to further eliminate cancer cells. The cancer must test positive for the CD19 molecule on its cell surface.
- Adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have been previously treated with at least 2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but the cancer did not respond to the treatment (refractory) or has since returned (relapsed), and who have no other treatment options. The cancer cells must have the CD19 molecule on their cell surface.
B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) which is MRD-positive
Blincyto is approved for:
- Adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) for whom chemotherapy was mostly successful, but a small number of cancer cells still remain (a condition known as Minimal Residual Disease [MRD]). These cells may put the patient at an increased risk of relapse, and Blincyto can be prescribed to eliminate all remaining traces of the cancer. The cancer cells must have the CD19 molecule on their surface.
Limitations of use
Age: The safety and efficacy of Blincyto have not been established in pediatric patients less than 1 year of age.
Weight: Use of Blincyto containing preservatives is not recommended for patients weighing less than 22 kg. Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative in Blincyto and can often cause adverse reactions in patients below this weight limit.
Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Blincyto is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Appropriate contraceptive measures should be used by women of child-bearing potential while receiving Blincyto, and for two days after the last dose.
What type of immunotherapy is this?
How does this drug work?
Targets:
Blincyto is a “bispecific antibody”. Antibodies are molecules which can bind to a particular target molecule. Bispecific antibodies are artificially made in the laboratory and can bind to two different targets at the same time. Blincyto binds to:
- a molecule called CD19 on the surface of a leukemic B cell. CD19 is found on the surface of all human B cells, where it is almost always present due to its importance to their normal function, however it is also present on the surface of B-precursor ALL cells.
- a molecule called CD3 on the surface of a T cell – the primary immune cell involved in killing cancer cells. CD3 is part of the T cell receptor, which is critical to the function of the T cell and is involved in stimulating the T cell to become active.
Because Blincyto can bind to one molecule on leukemic B cells and one on T cells at the same time, it acts as a bridge and keeps the T cell in close contact with the leukemic B cell. By binding CD3 on the T cell, Blincyto also stimulates the T cell to become activated and kill nearby cells. Bispecific antibodies that direct T cells to kill cancer cells by binding to both cells at the same time are known as bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs).
How is the drug given to the patient?
Blincyto is administered via a tube into a vein (intravenous infusion, or i.v.) continuously for 28 days, followed by a break of 14 days. The combined period of the 28-day treatment and the 14-day break is one “cycle”. Blincyto is administered across multiple treatment cycles.
One hour prior to the first dose of Blincyto in each cycle, adult patients are pre-medicated with an anti-inflammatory drug (prednisone or equivalent). Pediatric patients are pre-medicated with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone prior to the first dose of Blincyto in the first cycle, and when restarting an infusion after any interruptions of 4 or more hours in the first cycle.
Hospitalization is recommended for the first 9 days of the first cycle for patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL (who had been treated with chemotherapy, but it either did not work or stopped working) and the first 3 days of the first treatment cycle for patients with minimal residual disease B-ALL or pediatric patients with high-risk ALL. For subsequent cycles, fewer hospitalization days are required. Hospitalization or supervision by a healthcare professional is also recommended for all subsequent cycle starts, and when restarting an infusion after any interruptions.
The first treatment cycle (for patients with minimal residual disease B-ALL or pediatric patients with high-risk ALL) or the first two cycles (for patients with relapsed/refractory B-ALL) are intended to drastically reduce or eliminate leukemic cells and decrease cancer-associated symptoms. These are called “induction cycles”. After the induction cycle(s), up to three more cycles may be administered in order to further reduce the leukemic cells and prevent the disease from returning after discontinuing Blincyto. These are called “consolidation cycles”.
What are the observed clinical results?
For:
Previously treated Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
Previously treated Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-precursor Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
MRD-positive B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
It is important to keep in mind that each patient’s outcome is individual and may be different from the results found in the clinical studies. In addition, immunotherapy can sometimes take several months to yield an observable treatment response.
Previously treated Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
In a clinical trial of 405 adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-ALL (who had been treated with chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, but it either did not work or stopped working), patients treated with Blincyto were alive for a median of 8 months, while patients treated with standard-of-care chemotherapy were alive for a median of 4 months. 44% of patients treated with Blincyto had their tumor completely disappear (complete remission), compared to 25% of patients achieving complete remission with a physician’s choice of any of 4 standard-of-care chemotherapies. The complete remission lasted longer in patients treated with Blincyto (median of 7 months for Blincyto, compared to 5 months for standard-of-care chemotherapy).
In a trial of 70 pediatric patients (under 18 years of age) with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-ALL that had not responded to previous treatments or had returned, 29% of patients treated with Blincyto had their cancer completely disappear (complete remission). The remission lasted for a median of 7 months.
In a clinical trial, 108 pediatric patients (1 to 18 years of age) with high-risk Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-ALL whose disease came back after the first treatment, were treated with three treatment cycles of chemotherapy, and received either another cycle of chemotherapy or one cycle of Blincyto. At a median follow-up of 22 months, 69% of patients treated with Blincyto experienced some benefit (the remaining patients experienced no change, worsening or return of the disease, development of another cancer, or death), compared to 43% of patients treated with chemotherapy.
Previously treated Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
In a clinical trial of 45 adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-ALL who had been treated with at least two tyrosine-kinase inhibitor treatments and it had not worked or stopped working, 36% of patients treated with Blincyto had their cancer completely disappear (including 31% of patients whose leukemia cells could no longer be detected with advanced molecular tests [no minimal residual disease]).
MRD-positive B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)
In a clinical trial of 113 patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) B-ALL, leukemia cells could no longer be detected in 78% of the patients after one cycle of Blincyto.
What are the potential side effects?
Blincyto targets the CD19 molecule, which, while present on leukemic B cells, is also present on normal B cells. As a result, Blincyto can kill normal B cells, increasing the risk of serious infections. Other common side effects of Blincyto include fever, headache, low white blood cell count, low red blood cell count, low platelet count, abnormal liver blood tests, inflammation of the pancreas, and reactions related to the infusion. Some side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or neurological toxicities, can become serious or life-threatening. Patients and caregivers receive careful instructions to monitor for signs and symptoms related to CRS and neurological toxicities. Both conditions are managed by the health care provider.
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS)
CRS is caused by a widespread release of molecules called cytokines which can cause inflammation and can affect the function of various organs. Cytokines may be released by the T cells to which Blincyto binds, or by other immune cells in the patient’s body. Signs and symptoms of CRS include fever, headache, nausea, low blood pressure, and weakness. CRS typically occurs 2 days after the start of Blincyto infusion. A healthcare provider should be immediately notified if symptoms occur.
Neurological toxicities
Some of the cytokines released during CRS can result in disruption of the blood-brain barrier, leading to the development of neurological toxicities. Symptoms of neurological toxicities include headache, tremors, seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, difficulty with speech, and loss of balance. Neurological toxicities typically occur within the first two weeks of treatment with Blincyto.
In patients whose disease came back after treatment with Blincyto, rare cases of cancer cells that had lost the presence of the CD19 on their cell surface or that had switched their cancer type from ALL to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been observed. Patients whose cancer came back after treatment with Blincyto should be monitored for the presence of CD19 on the cancer cells and for AML.
For a more complete list of possible side effects, see the full prescribing information.
Manufacturer
Amgen
Approval
FDA and EMA
Links to drug websites
Other references
- Effect of Blinatumomab vs Chemotherapy on Event-Free Survival Among Children With High-risk First-Relapse B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Locatelli F, et al. JAMA (2021)
Last updated on January 12, 2023
