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News
For patients with Philadelphia-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL) treated with blinatumomab plus ponatinib, stopping TKI maintenance therapy after achieving a deep molecular remission appears to be a viable option. A retrospective study of 31 patients found strong survival outcomes post-discontinuation, especially in those treated in the first or second line. Experts say the findings support a more personalized, rather than indefinite, approach to maintenance therapy.
For patients with Philadelphia-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL), stopping TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) maintenance therapy after achieving a sustained, deep molecular remission may be safer than previously thought. A retrospective study presented at the SOHO 2026 meeting found that patients treated with blinatumomab plus ponatinib who discontinued ponatinib — after a median of 31 months — showed favorable survival outcomes, particularly those in the first- or second-line treatment setting.
The study's lead author, Dr. Abigail Huetteman of Moffitt Cancer Center, was careful to note this isn't a blanket recommendation: the data supports discontinuation only in carefully selected patients who have achieved a complete molecular response, with close ongoing monitoring. Experts commenting on the study called it "very encouraging" and a strong case for a larger, prospective trial.
Why it matters: Current guidelines recommend indefinite TKI maintenance after remission, but optimal duration has been unclear. These findings open the door to a more individualized treatment approach — potentially sparing patients from long-term drug exposure and its associated risks, while maintaining disease control through molecular surveillance.
