Blinatumomab as maintenance therapy for pediatric acute B-lymphoblastic
leukemia in the setting of asparaginase-associated pancreatitis
Abstract
Modern chemotherapy for pediatric acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia
(B-ALL), including a maintenance phase on the backbone of oral
antimetabolite administration, has resulted in a generally excellent
prognosis for newly diagnosed disease. However, therapy-related
toxicities may preclude a patient’s ability to safely receive
traditional chemotherapy. We report the case of a child with B-ALL
unable to tolerate oral antimetabolite therapy due to recurring
necrotizing pancreatitis secondary to asparaginase. She received a
modified maintenance therapy with blinatumomab, a CD3- and CD19-directed
bispecific T-cell engager antibody, which was well tolerated and allowed
for resolution of her pancreatitis while maintaining a durable
remission.