First-in-World Leukemia Trial Aims to Leave No Patients Behind

In February 2026, Ashkan Emadi, MD, PhD, and colleagues announced that the first patient in the world had undergone treatment with subcutaneous blinatumomab (Blincyto) for CD19-positive mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) as part of an investigator-initiated phase 2 trial (NCT07222579). This patient achieved complete remission with full hematologic recovery after a single cycle of therapy, which included transfusion independence and the absence of the Philadelphia chromosome.

Emadi spoke to the importance of reaching this milestone in the management of MPAL, a rare form of acute leukemia. He stated that the early results of this phase 2 trial reflect that “big things” in oncology do not necessarily have to occur in major metropolitan treatment centers located in areas like New York City or Houston. Regardless of the rarity of one’s disease or any preconceived notions about the “incurable” nature of their condition, the MPAL-based trial demonstrates that patients may be able to seek care for their malignancy whether they reside in a community setting or undergo treatment at an academic center.

Emadi is chair of the Department of Medical Oncology; Alexander Bland Osborn Endowed Chair and distinguished professor of Medical Oncology; physician-in-chief of Medical Oncology; and associate director for Clinical Research at WVU Cancer Institute.

Transcript:

I’m very proud and very delighted to provide this first-in-the-world subcutaneous [blinatumomab] to our patients with MPAL in West Virginia University. This gives a lesson that big things, potentially [practice-changing] things, does not necessarily have to happen in New York, Houston, Baltimore, [or] Chicago. It can happen here in West Virginia, for the people who need it the most. That’s my personal pride.

Much more important than that is that no patients—regardless of how rare your disease is or how traditionally it is labeled as incurable or [untreatable]—are left behind. Regardless of what ZIP code you live in—you can live in rural, southern West Virginia—you can get this drug from your community oncologist, and you can get it in the best cancer center, for example, in Baltimore. They are the same.

Reference

WVU Cancer Institute first in the world to treat ultra-rare leukemia using novel subcutaneous immunotherapy. News release. WVU Medicine. February 17, 2026. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://tinyurl.com/2s4y3xmr