Tafasitamab (MOR208) is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It is a CD19-directed antibody-drug conjugate consisting of an anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody linked to a cytotoxic drug, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). Tafasitamab is used in combination with lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug, to treat adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who have received at least two prior therapies.
Tafasitamab is a medication used in combination with another drug, lenalidomide, to treat a specific type of lymphoma. Here's a breakdown of key points about Tafasitamab:
What it treats:
- Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in adults. Relapsed means the cancer has come back after treatment, and refractory means it hasn't responded well to previous treatments.
- Tafasitamab is for patients who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.
How it works:
- Tafasitamab is a type of drug called a CD19-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody.
- It targets a protein called CD19 found on the surface of B-cells, a type of white blood cell involved in DLBCL.
- By binding to CD19, Tafasitamab triggers the destruction of these B-cells through several mechanisms:
- Directly inducing cell death (apoptosis).
- Engaging immune system cells like natural killer cells and macrophages to attack the B-cells (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or ADCC, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis or ADCP).
Brand Name and Availability:
- Tafasitamab is sold under the brand name Monjuvi (in the US) or Minjuvi (in the EU).
Dosage and Administration:
- Tafasitamab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion.
- The specific dosing schedule depends on the treatment cycle.
- It is typically used in combination with lenalidomide, another medication.
Side Effects:
- Tafasitamab can cause serious side effects, including:
- Infusion-related reactions (fever, chills, nausea)
- Bone marrow suppression (leading to low blood cell counts)
- Infections
- Harm to an unborn baby (pregnant women should not take Tafasitamab)
- Common side effects include:
- Low blood cell counts
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Fever
- Limb swelling
- Upper respiratory infection
- Decreased appetite