Marqibo

The FDA approved Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) in 2012 for adults with Ph- ALL under its Accelerated Approval Program based on study results measuring response rates to the medication (lowered amount of cancer cells and recovery of blood cell counts). This approval provided a treatment option for adults with ALL who generally had few options available. With this early approval, the FDA required the makers of Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) to prove its benefit through clinical studies at a later time. By 2021, the makers weren't able to confirm a potential clinical benefit, so the FDA removed its approval of Marqibo (liposomal vincristine).

Conventional vincristine is used today in treatment plans for many types of leukemias (including ALL) and lymphomas. Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) has been discontinued, but it was originally only used for the Ph- ALL subtype that's come back or gotten worse after previous treatment. Unlike conventional vincristine, Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) had a fatty coating that helped the medication stay in the blood longer so it reached and slowly entered cancer cells better. This allowed providers to give higher doses of Marqibo (liposomal vincristine) compared to conventional vincristine without causing more side effects.

Another anticancer medication option for Ph- ALL that’s come back or gotten worse after previous treatment includes Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel). Your provider will discuss with you about your available options based on your age, the therapies you've tried before, and the progression of your cancer.