Blinatumomab in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of the RIALTO trial, an expanded access study

Although most children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) achieve first remission with conventional, risk-adapted protocols, relapse still occurs in 15–20% of patients 1 . Current salvage treatments are associated with acute and long-term toxicities, which may cause long-term sequelae and treatment-related (TR) death 2 . As minimal residual disease (MRD) is a strong predictor of relapse in BCP-ALL 3 , new treatments associated with reduced toxicity and high rates of MRD clearance are needed to improve outcomes for children with relapsed/refractory (r/r) BCP-ALL.