# Acute Pancreatitis Associated With Blinatumomab Treatment in a Patient With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

**Authors:** Ammaar Y Kazi, Zuhair Zaidi, Mohammad Zahid

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.82803 · Cureus · 2025-04-22

## TL;DR

A patient with leukemia developed acute pancreatitis while receiving blinatumomab, highlighting a rare but important side effect.

## Contribution

This is one of the first reports of blinatumomab-induced acute pancreatitis in a real-world clinical setting.

## Key findings

- Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed via elevated lipase and CT imaging during blinatumomab treatment.
- The condition resolved with supportive care, emphasizing the need for early recognition.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanism and guide treatment protocols.

## Abstract

Blinatumomab, a bispecific T-cell engager, has significantly advanced the treatment of relapsed and refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), with well-established toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. However, pancreatitis remains an exceptionally rare and underrecognized adverse effect, with limited reports outside of clinical trials. This case report presents one of the first documented instances of acute pancreatitis in a patient receiving blinatumomab in a real-world setting, diagnosed by elevated serum lipase and confirmatory CT imaging. The patient’s presentation and resolution with supportive care underscore the importance of promptly recognizing and managing this potential complication. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of this association and to guide clinical decisions regarding blinatumomab safety and rechallenge protocols in affected patients.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Acute Pancreatitis (MONDO:0006515), B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MONDO:0004947), Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MONDO:0004967)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** B-ALL (MESH:D015456), toxicities (MESH:D064420), Acute Pancreatitis (MESH:D010195), neurotoxicity (MESH:D020258), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (MESH:D054198), -cell (MESH:D002292), release (MESH:C566759)
- **Chemicals:** Blinatumomab (MESH:C510808)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12097809/full.md

## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12097809/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12097809