Taking a BiTE out of ALL: blinatumomab approval for MRD-positive ALL

Blinatumomab, a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) associated with improved survival in relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), was recently approved for treatment of minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD is an important predictor of survival in ALL, and recent studies suggest that achievement of MRD-negativity with blinatumomab improves outcomes in patients with ALL. However, further research is needed to determine how to optimally incorporate blinatumomab, and other novel therapies, into current therapies for ALL.