Creation of Blinatumomab Administration Standards: A Single Institution's Experience.

BACKGROUND

Blinatumomab has transformed the treatment of pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, it presents distinct operational challenges for administration given it is delivered as a continuous infusion and has unique toxicities. The objective of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a standardized institutional protocol for blinatumomab administration to optimize safety, efficiency, and patient experience.

PROCEDURE: This quality improvement (QI) initiative was conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. A multidisciplinary Blinatumomab Working Group developed harmonized standards across five domains: (1) caregiver education, (2) fever management, (3) nursing-led assessments, (4) infusion interruption management, and (5) use of 7-day infusion bags. Patients receiving blinatumomab for upfront therapy or for relapsed disease between July 2024 and August 2025 were included. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the institutional data warehouse. Outcomes included rates of caregiver education completion, antibiotic use during blinatumomab initiation, and completion of nursing-led assessments.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients received standard of care blinatumomab. All eligible caregivers (100%) completed standardized education. The rate of empiric antibiotic use during blinatumomab initiation decreased from 68% to 22% following adoption of selective antibiotic initiation without increased readmission, or prolonged stay. Nursing assessment completion was 95% for inpatients and 81% for outpatients. Infusion interruptions were managed using a standardized, risk-based algorithm without observed safety events.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of multidisciplinary, standardized blinatumomab administration protocols was feasible and safe. These processes improved antibiotic stewardship, empowered nursing-led care, and reduced practice variability. This framework may inform best practices for the safe and efficient delivery of blinatumomab in other pediatric oncology centers.