Delivery of Care for Pediatric Patients Receiving Blinatumomab: A Children’s Oncology Group Study

Abstract

Background Blinatumomab is an immunotherapy agent used in pediatric oncology for the treatment of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Administration of blinatumomab, via continuous 28-day infusion cycles, can present multiple decision points and challenges related to patient care. Nurses are at the forefront of coordinating and delivering care for patients receiving blinatumomab. Objective To describe the current state of practice across Children’s Oncology Group (COG) member institutions regarding blinatumomab administration in both inpatient and home/outpatient settings. Methods Between August and December 2021, a cross-sectional survey was used to determine current institutional practices related to blinatumomab administration. A single targeted respondent who was actively engaged in coordinating blinatumomab administration completed the survey on behalf of each COG institution. Results Survey participation rate was 78% (150/192). During the first 28-day blinatumomab cycle, 71 institutions (53%) reported patient hospital stays between 73 hours and 7 days; 42 (31%) reported hospital stays ≤72 hours, and only 12 (9%) reported hospitalization for the full 28-day infusion. Small- to medium-size institutions were more likely to report longer hospitalizations (P = .03). Most blinatumomab administration occurred in the outpatient setting, with low rates of unplanned clinic/emergency room visits. Conclusions The majority of COG institutions have navigated the complex coordination of care required for children to receive blinatumomab at home. Wide variations in practice were noted across institutions. Implications for Practice This study describes current institutional practices surrounding administration of 28-day blinatumomab infusions in children with leukemia and offers a starting point for institutional benchmarking and standardization of practice.