Blinatumomab followed by POMP maintenance for newly diagnosed Ph-negative B-ALL in older patients

Chemotherapy outcomes in older patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia are poor. The multicenter phase 2 SWOG 1318 study evaluated blinatumomab induction and consolidation followed by prednisone, vincristine, 6-mercaptopurine, and methotrexate (POMP) maintenance in responding patients. Complete response was seen in 66% of patients. Three-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates were 37% (95% CI 15-57) and 37% (20-55), respectively. The authors conclude that blinatumomab followed by POMP was an effective strategy for newly diagnosed Ph chromosome-negative B-ALL in older patients, including patients with poor-risk cytogenetics.