blinatumomab
Pronunciation: blin-ah-TOO-moh-mab
A bispecific T-cell engager antibody that simultaneously binds CD19 on B-cells and CD3 on T-cells to treat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Full Definition
Blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody construct that simultaneously binds to CD19 on malignant B-cells and CD3 on T-cells, thereby redirecting T-cells to eliminate CD19-positive leukemic blasts. It is FDA-approved for relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia in pediatric and adult patients. The drug is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion over 28-day cycles. Common adverse effects include cytokine release syndrome, neurologic events, and tumor lysis syndrome. It represents a novel approach to immunotherapy without requiring genetic modification of patient cells.
Usage
Usage note: Generic name should be lowercase. Brand name Blincyto should be capitalized.
In Context
- "Blinatumomab therapy was initiated for multiply relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia." — Treatment plan
- "Neurologic monitoring is essential during blinatumomab infusion due to risk of seizures." — Nursing protocol