The BiTE (bispecific T-cell engager) platform: Development and future potential of a targeted immuno-oncology therapy across tumor types

Hermann Einsele, Hossein Borghaei, Robert Z. Orlowski, Marion Subklewe, Gail J. Roboz, Gerhard Zugmaier, Peter Kufer, Karim Iskander, Hagop M. Kantarjian

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

144 Scopus citations

Abstract

Immuno-oncology therapies engage the immune system to treat cancer. BiTE (bispecific T-cell engager) technology is a targeted immuno-oncology platform that connects patients' own T cells to malignant cells. The modular nature of BiTE technology facilitates the generation of molecules against tumor-specific antigens, allowing off-the-shelf immuno-oncotherapy. Blinatumomab was the first approved canonical BiTE molecule and targets CD19 surface antigens on B cells, making blinatumomab largely independent of genetic alterations or intracellular escape mechanisms. Additional BiTE molecules in development target other hematologic malignancies (eg, multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and solid tumors (eg, prostate cancer, glioblastoma, gastric cancer, and small-cell lung cancer). BiTE molecules with an extended half-life relative to the canonical BiTE molecules are also being developed. Advances in immuno-oncology made with BiTE technology could substantially improve the treatment of hematologic and solid tumors and offer enhanced activity in combination with other treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3192-3201
Number of pages10
JournalCancer
Volume126
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 15 2020

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Bispecific/therapeutic use
  • Antigens, CD19/immunology
  • Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
  • Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
  • B-Lymphocytes/immunology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy
  • Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes/immunology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

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