Early results from an ongoing Phase 2 trial (NCT07222579) show that a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) form of blinatumomab (Blincyto) may be highly effective and well tolerated for mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL), a rare and aggressive blood cancer.
The first patient treated, a 77-year-old with Philadelphia chromosome–negative MPAL, achieved a complete response after just one 26-day cycle. The patient no longer needed blood transfusions, had no detectable leukemia cells in the bone marrow, and was hospitalized for only 7 days as required by the study protocol. For the rest of the cycle, the patient stayed at home and remained physically active.
The trial is designed to include three groups: older or medically unfit newly diagnosed patients, patients in remission but with minimal residual disease, and patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease. So far, side effects have been mild, with only low-grade cytokine release syndrome reported and no serious complications. Unlike the standard continuous intravenous infusion, the new subcutaneous form may make treatment simpler and more convenient. The study is expanding to 15 centers across the United States and plans to enroll 75 patients to better evaluate this approach.