Blinatumomab with chemotherapy for frontline consolidation treatment of Philadelphia chromosome negative, measurable residual disease negative, B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a rare and aggressive blood cancer, characterised by proliferation of immature and abnormal white blood cells responsible for the immune system (lymphocytes), in the bone marrow and blood. These immature/abnormal lymphocytes dominate bone marrow, resulting in a decrease of red blood cells, normal white blood cells and platelets. ALL can be Philadelphia chromosome positive or negative (Ph+/-), both of which are aggressive. Current treatment options for Ph- is consolidation therapy, which involves several cycles of intensive chemotherapy, however this is associated with risks of disease resistance and subsequent relapse. As such, there is an unmet need for the development of alternative consolidation strategies.