How it is administered

Talquetamab is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. It is available in single-dose vials and is administered by a healthcare professional. The dosing schedule involves a series of 'step-up' doses followed by regular weekly or biweekly maintenance doses, depending on your treatment plan. The exact dose is based on your body weight.

You will be hospitalized for 48 hours after each step-up dose to monitor for side effects. Pretreatment medications, such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and acetaminophen, are given before each step-up dose to help reduce the risk of certain reactions.

How it works

Talquetamab is a type of immunotherapy called a bispecific T-cell engager antibody. It works by binding to two different proteins: one called CD3, which is found on T-cells (a type of immune cell), and another called GPRC5D, which is found on multiple myeloma cells (a type of blood cancer cell) and some healthy cells in the skin and tongue.

By connecting T-cells to the cancer cells, talquetamab helps direct your immune system to recognize and attack the myeloma cells. This process can cause the release of substances called cytokines, which help the immune system fight the cancer but can also lead to side effects. Talquetamab has shown anti-tumor activity in clinical studies for patients with multiple myeloma who have already tried several other treatments.

Who Should take it

Talquetamab is indicated for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

This medication is used when other standard treatments have not worked or have stopped working. It is approved under an accelerated program based on how well it works and how long the response lasts, with ongoing studies to confirm its benefits.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for talquetamab. However, it should not be used in patients who are pregnant, as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

Caution is needed in patients with severe kidney or liver problems, as the effects in these populations are not fully known. The safety and effectiveness of talquetamab have not been established in children.

Commonly used with

Talquetamab is used as a single agent (monotherapy) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have already received several other treatments. It is not typically combined with other anti-myeloma drugs, but your doctor may prescribe supportive medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antipyretics to help manage side effects, especially during the step-up dosing phase.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, talquetamab has been tested as a monotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma who have previously received other treatments such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies. It is often studied in patients who have also had prior CAR-T cell therapy or other T-cell redirection therapies.