Immunotherapy + Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Overseen by Elias Jabbour, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Recruiting

Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Burkitt's leukemia, T-cell ALL, active heart disease, others

No Placebo Group

Breakthrough Therapy

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new treatment combining inotuzumab ozogamicin and chemotherapy for elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The drug targets and kills cancer cells, aiming to improve outcomes for those who can't undergo intensive therapy or have had a recurrence. The study will determine the appropriate dose and evaluate the treatment's effectiveness and side effects.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination used in the Immunotherapy + Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia trial?

Research shows that blinatumomab, one of the drugs in the trial, improved survival in patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with a median overall survival of 7.7 months compared to 4.0 months with traditional chemotherapy. Additionally, inotuzumab ozogamicin, another drug in the trial, has shown effectiveness when combined with low-intensity chemotherapy in improving outcomes for patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy safe for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

Blinatumomab, a type of immunotherapy, has been shown to be generally well-tolerated in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, though it can cause side effects like cytokine release syndrome (a reaction where the immune system releases too many proteins into the blood too quickly) and neurological issues such as seizures. These side effects are usually manageable with treatment adjustments or medications like steroids. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

What makes this drug combination unique for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia?

This drug combination is unique because it combines immunotherapy drugs like blinatumomab and inotuzumab ozogamicin, which help the immune system target cancer cells, with traditional chemotherapy drugs. This approach may improve outcomes for patients with relapsed or hard-to-treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia by enhancing the effectiveness of treatment while potentially reducing the need for more toxic chemotherapy. ^{1 3 5 10 11}

Research Team

Elias Jabbour, MD

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for patients aged 60+ with untreated acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including those unfit for intensive chemotherapy due to comorbidities like heart or kidney disease. It's also open to any age with refractory-relapsed ALL, certain high-grade B-cell lymphomas, and marrow involvement. Excluded are those with newly diagnosed Burkitt's Leukemia/Lymphoma, T-cell ALL/lymphoma, active heart disease, ejection fraction <40%, active hepatitis, or who are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Inclusion Criteria

Patients age 60 years and older unfit for intensive chemotherapy with one or more comorbidities (e.g., renal insufficiency, heart disease, cardio-vascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, respiratory problems, among others) and a PS of ≥ 1. All ages of Jehovah's witness are eligible. Zubrod performance status 0-3. Adequate liver function (bilirubin < 1.95 mg/dL and SGPT or SGOT < 3 x upper limit of normal [ULN], unless considered due to tumor), and renal function (estimated creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/min/1.73 m2). Even if organ function abnormalities are considered due to tumor, the upper limit for bilirubin is < 2.6 mg/dL and creatinine < 3 mg/dL. Provision of written informed consent. Patients in first remission are eligible. Patients with refractory-relapsed ALL, Burkitt lymphoma, Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration, high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, and high-grade B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified with marrow involvement of any age are eligible

I am 60 or older with untreated ALL, and may have had minimal prior therapy.

I am 18-59 years old with untreated ALL, have certain health issues, and may or may not have started treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have severe heart disease.

I do not have active hepatitis.

Pregnant or breast-feeding women are excluded

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive inotuzumab ozogamicin in combination with low-intensity chemotherapy, including cyclophosphamide, vincristine, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and cytarabine, across multiple cycles

Up to 10 cycles, alternating every 3-4 weeks

Maintenance Therapy

Participants receive mercaptopurine, methotrexate, vincristine, prednisone, and blinatumomab over a long-term period

3 years

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

Up to 5 years

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Blinatumomab (Monoclonal Antibodies)
• Cyclophosphamide (Chemotherapy)
• Cytarabine (Chemotherapy)
• Dexamethasone (Corticosteroid)
• Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (Monoclonal Antibodies)
• Mercaptopurine (Chemotherapy)
• Methotrexate (Chemotherapy)
• Prednisone (Corticosteroid)
• Rituximab (Monoclonal Antibodies)
• Vincristine (Chemotherapy)

Trial Overview The trial tests the safety and effectiveness of inotuzumab ozogamicin combined with chemotherapy in treating ALL. Inotuzumab ozogamicin targets cancer cells by delivering a toxin directly to them. The study includes other drugs like blinatumomab that help the immune system fight cancer and various chemotherapies aimed at stopping cancer cell growth.

Participant Groups

Group I: Arm III (inotuzumab ozogamicin, combination chemotherapy) Experimental Treatment 8 Interventions

See Detailed Description Arm III

Group II: Arm II (inotuzumab ozogamicin, combination chemotherapy) Experimental Treatment 11 Interventions

See Detailed Description Arm II

Group III: Arm I (inotuzumab ozogamicin, combination chemotherapy) Experimental Treatment 11 Interventions

See Detailed Description Arm I

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,107

Recruited

1,813,000+

Dr. Peter WT Pisters

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2017

MD from University of Western Ontario

Dr. Jeffrey E. Lee

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Stanford University School of Medicine

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Dr. Douglas R. Lowy

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Chief Executive Officer since 2023

MD from New York University School of Medicine

Dr. Monica Bertagnolli

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Chief Medical Officer since 2022

MD from Harvard Medical School

Findings from Research

Blinatumomab was found to be an effective treatment for older patients (median age 75) with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), achieving a complete remission rate of 66%.

The 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates were both 37%, indicating promising outcomes for this patient population, particularly for those with poor-risk cytogenetics.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SWOG 1318: A Phase II Trial of Blinatumomab Followed by POMP Maintenance in Older Patients With Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Advani, AS., Moseley, A., O'Dwyer, KM., et al.[2023]

In a study of 64 adults with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after stem cell transplantation, blinatumomab achieved a complete remission (CR) or CR with partial hematologic recovery in 45% of patients within the first two treatment cycles, indicating its efficacy as a salvage therapy.

While blinatumomab showed promising results, it was associated with significant adverse events, including grade 3 and 4 complications in 31% and 44% of patients, respectively, highlighting the need for careful monitoring during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blinatumomab for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Relapse after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Stein, AS., Kantarjian, H., Gökbuget, N., et al.[2020]

In a study of 48 patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the combination of inotuzumab and low-intensity mini-HCVD chemotherapy resulted in a high response rate of 92%, with 73% achieving complete remission.

The treatment showed promising long-term outcomes, with a median overall survival of 25 months and a 2-year overall survival rate of 54%, indicating that this combination therapy may be more effective than traditional intensive chemotherapy options.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chemoimmunotherapy with inotuzumab ozogamicin combined with mini-hyper-CVD, with or without blinatumomab, is highly effective in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first salvage. Jabbour, E., Sasaki, K., Ravandi, F., et al.[2020]

Blinatumomab significantly improves overall survival in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with a median survival of 7.7 months compared to 4.0 months with traditional chemotherapy.

Patients treated with blinatumomab report a higher quality of life and lower financial burden compared to those receiving standard chemotherapy, making it a more cost-effective treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of blinatumomab on patient outcomes in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia: evidence to date. Hathaway, L., Sen, JM., Keng, M.[2020]

The FDA has approved three innovative therapies for relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, including inotuzumab ozogamicin and blinatumomab, which have significantly changed treatment options for this disease.

Understanding the unique toxicities and adverse effects of these therapies is crucial for safe administration, and the article provides recommendations for preventing and managing these side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Management of adverse effects of new monoclonal antibody treatments in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Conde-Royo, D., Juárez-Salcedo, LM., Dalia, S.[2020]

In the phase 3 TOWER study, blinatumomab showed a significant overall survival benefit compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy in adults with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, involving 267 patients who received a median of 2 cycles of treatment.

After adjusting for treatment duration, blinatumomab had lower exposure-adjusted event rates for serious adverse events compared to standard chemotherapy, particularly for infections and cytopenias, indicating it is a well-tolerated treatment option despite a higher rate of cytokine-release syndrome.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exposure-adjusted adverse events comparing blinatumomab with chemotherapy in advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Stein, AS., Larson, RA., Schuh, AC., et al.[2020]

Blinatumomab has been approved for treating relapsed or refractory precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), showing a significant improvement in overall survival and complete remission rates compared to standard chemotherapy, with a median survival of 7.7 months versus 4.0 months for chemotherapy.

In clinical trials, blinatumomab demonstrated a complete remission rate of 34% in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative ALL and 31% in Ph-positive ALL, while also presenting some adverse events like cytokine release syndrome and neurological issues, although it had fewer cases of neutropenia and infections compared to standard treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Supplemental Approval: Blinatumomab for Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Precursor B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Pulte, ED., Vallejo, J., Przepiorka, D., et al.[2019]

Blinatumomab is a promising new treatment for adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, showing effectiveness in targeting and destroying tumor cells by engaging both T-cells and B-cells.

While there are potential side effects like immunological toxicities and cytokine release syndrome, most patients tolerate blinatumomab well, indicating a favorable safety profile compared to traditional therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical use of blinatumomab for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. Lee, KJ., Chow, V., Weissman, A., et al.[2022]

Blinatumomab, a bispecific T-cell engager, shows significant efficacy in treating refractory or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), achieving complete response rates of 39% to 69% and a median overall survival of 7.7 months, compared to 4.0 months with traditional chemotherapy.

The treatment has a favorable safety profile, with manageable side effects such as cytokine-release syndrome and reversible neurological issues, making it a promising option for both adult and pediatric patients with R/R ALL.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immunotargeting relapsed or refractory precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia - role of blinatumomab. Queudeville, M., Handgretinger, R., Ebinger, M.[2020]

In a study of 29 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treated with blinatumomab and/or inotuzumab, the complete remission rate was 47.6%, indicating these therapies can be effective alternatives to traditional chemotherapy, especially in heavily pretreated patients.

Both treatments showed promise in reducing minimal residual disease and delaying further chemotherapy, with manageable safety profiles, as only six patients experienced grade 3 reversible non-haematological toxicity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blinatumomab and inotuzumab for B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children: a retrospective study from the Leukemia Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (SEHOP). Fuster, JL., Molinos-Quintana, A., Fuentes, C., et al.[2021]

In a study of 34 adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL), blinatumomab achieved a complete remission (CR) rate of 69%, with 78% of those patients reaching minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, indicating effective treatment outcomes.

Inotuzumab ozogamicin showed an even higher CR rate of 94% in patients with overt r/r B-ALL, with 67% achieving MRD negativity, suggesting both treatments are highly effective salvage options for this aggressive leukemia.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blinatumomab or Inotuzumab Ozogamicin as Bridge to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Relapsed or Refractory B-lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis. Stelmach, P., Wethmar, K., Groth, C., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SWOG 1318: A Phase II Trial of Blinatumomab Followed by POMP Maintenance in Older Patients With Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blinatumomab for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Relapse after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Chemoimmunotherapy with inotuzumab ozogamicin combined with mini-hyper-CVD, with or without blinatumomab, is highly effective in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first salvage. [2020]

4. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of blinatumomab on patient outcomes in relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia: evidence to date. [2020]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Management of adverse effects of new monoclonal antibody treatments in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. [2020]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exposure-adjusted adverse events comparing blinatumomab with chemotherapy in advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia. [2020]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Supplemental Approval: Blinatumomab for Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Precursor B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. [2019]

8. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical use of blinatumomab for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. [2022]

9. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immunotargeting relapsed or refractory precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia - role of blinatumomab. [2020]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blinatumomab and inotuzumab for B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children: a retrospective study from the Leukemia Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (SEHOP). [2021]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blinatumomab or Inotuzumab Ozogamicin as Bridge to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Relapsed or Refractory B-lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis. [2021]