Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

On December 3, 2014, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for blinatumomab (Blincyto™) for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R ALL). However, the FDA will continue to assess the clinical benefits in future trials to sustain the approval in this indication. 

What is blinatumomab? Blinatumomab is a T-cell engager. It binds to the CD19-expressing target cell (B cells) and activates endogenous T cells.

Dosing and administration: Your physician will plan for 6-week cycles and a total of 5 cycles. Your physician may administer blinatumomab in either an outpatient or inpatient setting. A single cycle of treatment will typically consist of 4 weeks of continuous intravenous infusion followed by a 2-week treatment-free interval

Your physician will follow the following regimen in patients who are at least 45 kg in weight:

Cycle 1: Blinatumomab at dose of 9 mcg/day on Days 1–7 and at 28 mcg/day on Days 8–28. 

Subsequent cycles: Blinatumomab at dose of 28 mcg/day on Days 1–28.

Full prescribing information, check http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/125557lbl.pdf

You can read more about lymphocytic leukemia at: American Cancer Society. Leukemia--Acute Lymphocytic Detailed Guide. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/leukemia-acutelymphocyticallinadults/detailedguide/index [Accessed March 15, 2015].