Dr. Frey on CAR T-Cell Therapy in High-Risk ALL

Noelle Frey, MD, MSCE, associate professor of medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, discusses the use of CAR T-cell therapy in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

CAR T-cell therapy is a very exciting area of research in ALL, says Frey. Although this approach has not been used in the upfront setting for these patients, it's an intriguing area to pursue—especially in high-risk patients who are unlikely to benefit from traditional chemotherapy approaches.

CAR T-cell therapy may also be a reasonable option for patients with minimal residual disease-positive tumors who have a later relapse, in the context of a clinical trial, adds Frey. These studies would compare the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy with agents such as blinatumomab (Blincyto) or inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa), she concludes.