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Bortezomib and rituximab in de novo adolescent/adult CD20-positive, Ph-negative pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Jain H, Sengar M, Goli VB, Thorat J, Tembhare P, Shetty D, Bonda VNA, Nayak L et al.

Blood advances, 2021

35 participants · 9 citations

Abstract

The expression of CD20 in precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is associated with poor outcomes. The addition of rituximab to intensive chemotherapy in CD20+ ALL has led to improved outcomes in several studies. However, there is no clear evidence regarding the optimal number of doses and its benefit without an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Achieving measurable residual disease (MRD)-negative status postinduction would reduce the requirement for a transplant. Novel approaches are needed to induce a higher proportion of MRD-negative complete remission in patients with high-risk ALL. Given bortezomib's activity in relapsed ALL and its synergism with rituximab in B-cell lymphomas, the addition of bortezomib to rituximab and chemotherapy may provide an incremental benefit in CD20+ precursor B-ALL. We conducted a phase 2 study to test the activity of bortezomib and rituximab in combination with a pediatric-inspired regimen during induction therapy in newly diagnosed adolescents and adults (aged >14 years) with CD20+, Philadelphia-negative precursor B-ALL; bone marrow MRD negativity at the end of induction was the primary end point. From December 2017 through August 2019, a total of 35 patients were enrolled. End-of-induction MRD-negative status was achieved in 70.9% of patients, as opposed to 51.7% in the historical cohort treated with chemotherapy alone. MRD-negative rates improved to 87.5% post-consolidation. At a median follow-up of 21 months, event-free…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 35 participants or records.

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