A team at Morgantown, W.Va.-based WVU Cancer Institute has become the first in the world to treat a patient with CD19-positive mixed phenotype acute leukemia with a subcutaneous formulation delivery for blinatumomab.
The patient received the first dose Jan. 17 as part of a phase 2 clinical trial, led by Ashkan Emadi, MD, PhD, physician-in-chief of medical oncology at WVU Cancer Institute and chair of the department of medical oncology at WVU School of Medicine, according to a Feb. 17 news release from the health system.
“The patient achieved complete remission with full hematologic recovery, including transfusion independence and the absence of the Philadelphia chromosome [which is] both unprecedented and highly encouraging,” Dr. Emadi said in the release. “The therapy was exceptionally well tolerated and transitioned entirely to the outpatient setting after the first week.”
Only 1% to 3% of leukemias diagnosed are mixed phenotype acute leukemia adults. There are currently no FDA-approved disease specific therapies for this patient population.
WVU Cancer Institute’s phase 2 trial will enroll up to 75 patients to assess if a subcutaneous formulation of the drug can “deliver comparable therapeutic exposure without the burden of continuous IV administration,” the release said.
At the Becker's Perioperative Summit, taking place September 14–15 in Chicago, perioperative leaders and healthcare executives will focus on improving operating room efficiency, enhancing patient safety, optimizing staffing and driving innovation across surgical services. Apply for complimentary registration now.
