Phase 2 trial of ponatinib plus blinatumomab for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Ponatinib and blinatumomab are both effective therapies in patients with Phildalphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ALL). A phase 2 trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) evaluated the combination of ponatinib and blinatumomab as chemotherapy-free strategy for Ph+ALL. The combination resulted in high rates of complete molecular response among patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory disease. The authors conclude that patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ALL could be spared the toxicities associated with chemotherapy and the need for allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in first response.