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BiTE (bispecific T-cell activator) is an innovative technology that unlocks the potential of targeted immuno-oncology therapy for various types of cancer. It can significantly improve the treatment of haematological and solid tumours. BiTE targeted drugs are used as a standalone method of fighting cancer or in combination with other types of treatment. They activate anti-tumour cytotoxic and cytolytic mechanisms that destroy cancer cells. Read more about this cancer treatment in our article.

 

 

What is BiTE Targeted Therapy?

bite-therapy-of-cancer

BiTE is an infusion therapy that involves activating the patient’s T-cells to fight cancer. BiTE is short for «bispecific T-cell activator».

 

These are specific antibodies that act on 2 different targets at the same time. Firstly, they “attach” to a specific protein on the tumour tissue, and secondly, they activate the patient’s immune cells to destroy the cancer.

 

BiTE is similar in some ways to CAR-T therapy. These two methods involve certain manipulations of T-lymphocytes. However, with BiTE, the main effect of the drugs unfolds directly in the patient’s body. Once in the bloodstream, it “glues” lymphocytes to cancerous tumours and destroys them. 

 

Unlike CAR therapy, BiTE T-lymphocytes do not have to be prepared in a specialised laboratory to “train” them to recognize and destroy abnormal tissues. This makes the treatment option cheaper and more time-efficient.

For more information about BiTE cancer treatment options, contact the coordinating physicians at MediGlobus International Medical Platform. Fill out our contact form and wait for a call from our representative.

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When is BiTE targeted therapy indicated?

    To date, BiTE therapy (blinatumomab) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of haematological cancer.

    The FDA also approved BiTE (tebentafusp) for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma after clinical trials in January 2022. More than 50 other bispecific antibodies are in clinical trials.

 

According to the American Cancer Society, BiTE therapy can also be used against haematological malignancies in multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukaemia and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is prescribed for both advanced and relapsing forms of the disease. It is also indicated for the treatment of solid tumours (e.g. prostate cancer, glioblastoma, gastric cancer and small cell lung cancer).

What is the procedure of treatment with BiTE therapy?

BiTE antitumour drugs are given intravenously. The treatment consists of several cycles, each of which lasts about 6 weeks. During the first cycle, the drug should be given at a dose of 9 mcg/day for the first week. The dose is then increased to 28 µg/day for the next 3 weeks. At the end of the first cycle, there is a break of 2 weeks. During the following cycles, the drug is supposed to be given continuously at the maximum dose for 4 weeks, with a 2-week break. 

What is the prognosis for the efficacy of BiTE targeted therapy in oncology?

    иконка галочки The efficacy and safety of BiTE therapy with blinatumomab have been confirmed in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Thanks to the results of clinical trials of this drug, which have been published by the American Cancer Society, it was found that the drug-induced complete remission in 43% of patients.  

    иконка галочки Blinatumomab has also been shown to be safe and able to induce long-term remission in relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The median overall survival for patients with relapsed/refractory NHL was 4.6 years, and the median survival for patients who achieved a complete response to treatment was 7,7 years. 

    иконка галочки According to the FDA, the median overall survival for adult patients treated with tebentafusp for unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma is 21,7 months.  

Side effects of BiTE therapy

According to data published in the Journal of Hematology & Oncology, cancer treatment with BiTE may have several adverse events. Some of the side effects of the therapy include. 

 

    иконка галочки fever (in 81% of patients),  

    иконка галочки fatigue (in 50% of patients),  

    иконка галочки headache (47% of cases),  

    иконка галочки tremor (in 36% of patients), 

    иконка галочки leukopenia (19% of cases),  

    иконка галочки cytokine release syndrome, SVZ (4% of patients).

 

Most complications occur during the first injection cycle. These can usually be managed with medication. 

 

The side effects of BiTE therapy compared to chemotherapy are slightly greater in patients with advanced OLL, but their severity is much lower. Compared with CAR-T therapy, blinatumomab is associated with a lower incidence of cytokine release syndrome (systemic inflammatory response to certain drugs). 

 

SVC is a complex of symptoms involving a range of body functions (heart, lung and brain function). In most patients, the syndrome can be treated with medication and relief is achieved within 1-2 weeks.

Where can I get BiTE therapy abroad? 

 

    Summary

    иконка галочки BiTE therapy is a medical innovation that has the potential to take oncology treatment to the next level. It has the potential to increase the effectiveness of treatment for patients with haematological malignancies or solid tumours. 

    иконка галочки BiTE typically involves intravenous administration of the drug for four to six weeks. The therapy is carried out in cycles. 

    иконка галочки After BiTE, 43% of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia go into remission. 

    иконка галочки Side effects usually occur with the first cycle of treatment. Patients may experience fever, tremors, fatigue, headaches, and low blood lymphocyte counts. 

    иконка галочки Such an innovation in medicine as BiTE therapy is already available at the following clinics abroad: Teknon, Severance, Sheba, Medipol, Medicana, Samsung, Quironsalud, Hisar, Assuta, Essen, etc. 

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Sources:

  1. Association of Community Cancer Centers
  2. American Cancer Society
  3. Journal of Hematology & Oncology
  4. Social Community CancerConnect 
  5. Food and Drug Administration, FDA

 

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