Blincyto (blinatumomab)

Antineoplastic - Immunotherapy, T-cell Engager Intravenous Kit; Intravenous Vial (Ea)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Blinatumomab, a CD3 T-cell-engaging anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody, is an antineoplastic agent; the drug also is referred to as a bispecific T-cell-engager (BiTE) monoclonal antibody.

Blinatumomab, a CD3 T-cell-engaging anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody, is an antineoplastic agent; the drug also is referred to as a bispecific T-cell-engager (BiTE) monoclonal antibody. The drug is a single-chain antibody composed of the variable fragments of antibodies to CD3 and CD19. The 2 antibodies are connected by a nonglycosylated, nonimmunogenic linker protein, which allows for rotational flexibility and close proximity of malignant CD19+ B cells to CD3+ T cells.

Blinatumomab binds specifically to the CD3 signaling chain of the T-cell receptor (TCR) complex and to antigen CD19, a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of normal and malignant B lymphocytes, including precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Following activation of endogenous T cells, proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF; TNF-alpha), interferon gamma) are released and upregulation of cell adhesion molecules induces the release of cytotoxic granules containing perforins and granzymes, which results in activation of caspases and apoptosis (programmed cell death) of CD19+ B cells.

Initial redistribution of peripheral T cells, a decrease in peripheral B-cell counts, and transient release of proinflammatory cytokines are observed in patients receiving blinatumomab therapy. Redistribution of peripheral T cells occurred following initiation of blinatumomab infusion or dosage escalation. In most patients, T-cell counts decreased during the initial 1-2 days of therapy and returned to baseline levels within 7-14 days; however, elevation of T-cell counts above baseline was observed in some patients.

Blinatumomab decreased peripheral B-cell counts to 10 cells/mm3 or less during the first treatment cycle in most patients receiving blinatumomab 5 mcg/m2 or more daily or 9 mcg or more daily. Peripheral B-cell recovery was not observed during the 2-week rest period between treatment cycles. Following administration of blinatumomab, the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and interferon gamma are released; levels of IL-6, IL-10, and interferon gamma increase immediately following initiation of an infusion in most patients.

Cytokine levels are highest 1-2 days following initiation of the blinatumomab infusion and return to baseline within 24-48 hours during the infusion. The incidence and intensity of elevated cytokine levels are decreased in subsequent treatment cycles compared with elevations observed during the initial 48 hours of the first treatment cycle.

In patients receiving blinatumomab by continuous IV infusion, steady-state concentrations are reached within 1 day and remain stable over time. Steady-state concentrations of blinatumomab are proportional to dose over the dosage range of 5-90 mcg/m2 daily. The metabolic pathway of blinatumomab has not been characterized.

As with other therapeutic proteins, the drug is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways. Following administration of blinatumomab 60 mcg/m2 daily, negligible amounts of the drug were detectable in urine at steady state. The mean elimination half-life of blinatumomab in adult patients is 2.2 hours.

In pediatric patients, the pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab are linear over the IV dosage range of 5-30 mcg/m2 daily. The pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab continuous IV infusion in pediatric patients with MRD-positive, B-cell precursor ALL and in pediatric patients with B-cell precursor ALL in the consolidation phase are similar to those observed in pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory ALL. Steady-state concentrations of blinatumomab are similar in adult and pediatric patients at equivalent dosages based on body surface area (BSA).

In pediatric patients with ALL, the elimination half-life of blinatumomab in cycle 1 was approximately 2.14 hours.

Pharmacokinetic parameters of blinatumomab do not appear to be affected by age (range of 0.6-80 years), sex, race (72% white, 17% Asian, 3% Black), ethnicity, or Ph status. The effect of other races on the pharmacokinetic parameters of blinatumomab are not known. The pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab are influenced by BSA (0.4-2.9 m2), which supports BSA-based dosing in patients weighing <45 kg.

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain type of cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukemia-ALL). Blinatumomab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Generic name: blinatumomab
Pronunciation: (BLIN-a-TOOM-oh-mab)
Drug class: Antineoplastic - Immunotherapy, T-cell Engager
Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Blincyto:

  • B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  • Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Also known as: Ph-Negative B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Precursor-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Dosing

If adverse effects require interruption of blinatumomab therapy for no more than 7 days, the current cycle should be continued for a total of 28 days of blinatumomab treatment (including the days prior to and after the interruption in therapy). If blinatumomab therapy is interrupted for more than 7 days, a new cycle should be started.

Drug interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed to date.

Contraindications

*Known hypersensitivity to the drug or any ingredient in the formulation.

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects reported in >=20% of patients receiving blinatumomab in clinical studies include pyrexia, infusion-related reactions, infection, headache, musculoskeletal pain, neutropenia, nausea, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and diarrhea.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
C91.0ICD10CMAcute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALl]
C91.00ICD10CMAcute lymphoblastic leukemia not having achieved remission
C91.02ICD10CMAcute lymphoblastic leukemia, in relapse
Philadelphia chromosome-negative b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
C91.0ICD10CMAcute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALl]
C91.00ICD10CMAcute lymphoblastic leukemia not having achieved remission
C91.02ICD10CMAcute lymphoblastic leukemia, in relapse

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data