Blinatumomab consolidation for high-risk Ph- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: the GRAALL-2014/B-QUEST study.

Blinatumomab consolidation reduces relapse and improves survival in high-risk Ph- B-ALL patients, with 5-year relapse at 23% versus 49% in controls.

• Why it matters: Relapse remains a leading cause of treatment failure in adults with high-risk B-ALL despite intensified chemotherapy, highlighting the need for more effective consolidation strategies.
• What they did: The phase 2 GRAALL-2014/B-QUEST study enrolled 94 high-risk adults receiving up to five cycles of blinatumomab during consolidation and maintenance, comparing outcomes to 90 historical controls.
• The result: Blinatumomab significantly enhanced MRD clearance, decreased relapse rates, and extended survival, especially benefiting patients eligible for stem cell transplantation, supporting its frontline use.