Transient and fully reversible changes in laboratory parameters and modifications of the cytokine profile during blinatumomab treatment in children with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We analyzed changes in laboratory parameters, including blood counts, liver enzymes, inflammation and coagulation markers, and cytokines, from 70 blinatumomab-treated pediatric patients (NCT01471782). Overall, trends were consistent in responders and nonresponders. Platelets and lymphocytes peaked on day (D) 10 in cycle 1 and returned to baseline on D42 and D29, respectively. Neutrophils peaked on D2 and returned to baseline on D42. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin peaked on D17, reversing to baseline on D29; total protein levels were constant. These findings indicate that blinatumomab-induced changes in laboratory parameters were transient, reversible, and not requiring treatment interruptions in responders and nonresponders.