From monoclonals to bispecific T cell engagers: the evolving antibody-based therapy landscape in acute myeloid leukemia

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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor prognosis, with relapse occurring in about half of patients despite standard treatment regimens.
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Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is the only antibody-based therapy approved for AML, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
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Bispecific T cell engagers (BTCEs) are being investigated for AML, offering potential advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies.
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BTCEs can activate T cells independently of T cell receptor specificity, leading to targeted destruction of leukemic cells.
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Challenges in AML treatment include the lack of leukemia-specific antigens, which complicates the development of effective immunotherapies.

Frontiers In Immunology

by Milad Rasouli, Marie Dalem, Marc H.G.P. Raaijmakers, Peter D. Katsikis, Stefan J. Erkeland
June 1, 2026

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