Phase 2 trial demonstrates CART19 therapy may improve clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with CNS-relapsed B-ALL, suggesting less reliance on toxic cranial radiation.
Key Points
CART19 therapy led to an 85% two-year event-free survival in CNS-relapsed B-ALL patients, highlighting its efficacy.
Of 43 patients, 98% achieved CNS remission by day 28 after CART19 infusion, showing strong response rates early on.
Observational analysis revealed that 88% of patients avoided cranial radiation, a historically standard treatment for CNS relapse.
While cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity were noted, no severe toxicity occurred, indicating a favorable safety profile.