[Correspondence] B-cell targeted therapies in acute lymphocytic leukaemia

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Source: The Lancet

Original: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)02220-2/fullt...

Published: 2025-12-13

The article discusses B-cell targeted therapies in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). New therapies, such as bispecific BiTE antibodies (eg, blinatumomab) and CAR T-cell therapy, target B-cell surface antigens such as CD19 and bring significant improvements in the treatment of ALL. However, these therapies may have serious infectious adverse effects that warrant further discussion and attention. CAR T-cell therapy uses a patient's genetically modified T-cells to target leukemia B-cells and has shown improved overall survival in some patients in clinical trials. Blinatumomab is a bispecific antibody that binds T-cells and B-cells, thereby activating an immune response against leukemia cells. In addition, immunoconjugates are also used in treatment, for example inotuzumab ozogamicin, which targets CD22 on B-cells. These modern therapies represent a significant advance over traditional chemotherapy, but their wider use requires further investigation into safety and side effects. Overall, the article highlights the need to balance efficacy and risks in the use of B-cell-targeted therapies in ALL[1].