Common brand names

• Monjuvi

How it is administered

Tafasitamab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it is administered directly into a vein by a healthcare professional. It comes as a white to slightly yellowish powder that is reconstituted and diluted before infusion. The dosing schedule for follicular lymphoma is:

• Cycles 1 to 3: Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each 28-day cycle
• Cycles 4 to 12: Days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle

Tafasitamab is used in combination with rituximab (given during cycles 1 to 5) and lenalidomide (given during cycles 1 to 12). Premedications are given before each infusion to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions.

How it works

Tafasitamab is a type of targeted therapy known as a monoclonal antibody. It is designed to recognize and attach to a specific protein called CD19, which is found on the surface of B-cells, including those that have become cancerous in follicular lymphoma and other B-cell malignancies.

When tafasitamab binds to CD19, it triggers the destruction of these B-cells through several mechanisms. It can cause the cancerous cells to die directly (apoptosis), and it also helps the immune system recognize and attack these cells through processes called antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). In studies, combining tafasitamab with lenalidomide or rituximab has shown increased effectiveness compared to using any of these medicines alone. This combination leads to a significant reduction in the number of B-cells in the blood, which is sustained as long as treatment continues.

Who should take it

Tafasitamab is approved for adults with previously treated follicular lymphoma. It is used in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for patients who have already received at least one prior therapy for their lymphoma.

It is also indicated for adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not eligible for stem cell transplant, in combination with lenalidomide. For follicular lymphoma, tafasitamab is specifically for those whose disease has returned or did not respond to earlier treatments. Your doctor will determine if tafasitamab is appropriate for you based on your treatment history and overall health.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for tafasitamab itself. However, tafasitamab is always given in combination with other medications, such as lenalidomide and rituximab. Lenalidomide can cause severe birth defects and is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take this combination.

Patients should also avoid tafasitamab if they have had severe allergic reactions to this medication or its components in the past. Always inform your healthcare team about your medical history, allergies, and any other medications you are taking before starting tafasitamab.

Commonly used with

For follicular lymphoma, tafasitamab is always used in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide. These medications work together to enhance the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancerous B-cells.

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, tafasitamab is combined with lenalidomide. Your doctor will determine the best combination based on your specific diagnosis and treatment history.

Commonly tested with

Tafasitamab has been tested in clinical trials in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for follicular lymphoma. It has also been studied with lenalidomide alone for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Preclinical studies have shown that combining tafasitamab with rituximab or lenalidomide can improve its effectiveness in treating aggressive B-cell lymphomas.