

Scientists are also studying the effectiveness of experimental new BiTEs that target proteins other than CD19 in malignant leukemic cells. Blincyto may also work as a “bridge” to other treatments, eliminating enough tumor cells in some people with advanced B-cell ALL to allow them to receive stem cell transplantation - in most cases an allogeneic stem cell transplant from donated hematopoietic stem cells. In studies, Blincyto has shown itself to be more effective than standard chemotherapy in treating the disease, with people who receive Blincyto surviving longer and enjoying a better quality of life. The Future of BiTE TreatmentīiTE is a promising treatment for people with refractory B-cell ALL. CRS can often be prevented or managed with Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid drug. The effects of CRS can vary widely, from mild flu-like symptoms to organ failure. CRS occurs when immune cells release too many cytokines (proteins that direct immune response), causing a massive inflammatory reaction. About two-thirds of people taking Blincyto will experience some form of neurotoxic symptom.Īnother serious side effect of Blincyto is cytokine release syndrome (CRS) 7 percent to 15 percent of people who are treated with Blincyto will experience CRS. Blincyto treatment can cause neurotoxicity - neurological symptoms that include tiredness and cognitive difficulties, such as slurred speech and disorientation. Less common side effects of Blincyto include gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia, low blood pressure, and low appetite. Side Effects of BiTE TreatmentĬommon side effects of Blincyto include fever, headache, and infection. Treatment generally lasts for four weeks, with a two-week pause before a second cycle of Blincyto, if needed. These bags can last 24 hours, 48 hours, or one week.
#First bite syndrome chemotherapy portable#
Bags of Blincyto are administered through portable IV pumps.

After three days, treatment either continues at home or under the supervision of an outpatient clinic or infusion center. Blincyto treatment begins in the hospital, so medical professionals can monitor you for adverse reactions. When the T cell and the B cell are connected, the B cell is destroyed.īlincyto is administered intravenously.

At the same time, it attaches to the CD3 protein on a T cell. In the case of Blincyto, the drug attaches itself to a protein called CD19, which exists on B cells. These drugs connect proteins in T cells (the immune cells that kill ca ncer and infected cells) to proteins in B cells (the malignant cells in B-cell ALL). How Does BiTE Treatment Work?īiTE treatment works by inducing cytotoxic T cells to fight tumor cells. Even if a person seems clinically to be in remission, persistent MRD is the strongest predictor of an eventual poor prognosis. These new tests are powerful enough to detect 1 cancer cell among 1 million normal cells. However, recently developed molecular assay testing allows the detection of MRD - tumor cells that would escape conventional microscope testing. Hematological remission means that the bone marrow contains an appropriate amount of white blood cells and that there are no signs or symptoms of leukemia. It is also approved for people who are in hematological remission from B-cell ALL, but still show minimal residual disease (MRD). Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with refractory or relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Blincyto (blinatumomab) is approved by the U.S. Bispecific T-Cell Engager (BiTE) TreatmentĬurrently, only one form of BiTE treatment is available to treat leukemia. The following sections describe BiTE treatment and CAR-T cell therapy in greater detail. This chart compares the major differences and similarities between BiTE treatment and CAR-T cell therapy treatment for leukemia.
