Authors:
Ralf Bargou, Eugen Leo, Gerhard Zugmaier, Matthias Klinger, Mariele Goebeler, Stefan Knop, Richard Noppeney, Andreas Viardot, Georg Hess, Martin Schuler, Hermann Einsele, Christian Brandl, Andreas Wolf, Petra Kirchinger, Petra Klappers, Margit Schmidt, Gert Riethmüller, Carsten Reinhardt, Patrick A. Baeuerle, Peter Kufer
Summary:
Previous attempts have shown the potential of T cells in immunotherapy of cancer. Here, we report on the clinical activity of a bispecific antibody construct called blinatumomab, which has the potential to engage all cytotoxic T cells in patients for lysis of cancer cells. Doses as low as 0.005 milligrams per square meter per day in non–Hodgkin's lymphoma patients led to an elimination of target cells in blood. Partial and complete tumor regressions were first observed at a dose level of 0.015 milligrams, and all seven patients treated at a dose level of 0.06 milligrams experienced a tumor regression. Blinatumomab also led to clearance of tumor cells from bone marrow and liver. T cell–engaging antibodies appear to have therapeutic potential for the treatment of malignant diseases.
Source:
Abstract (Science, 15 August 2008: Vol. 321, No. 5891, pp. 974 – 977)