How it is administered

Tagraxofusp is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The recommended dose is 12 mcg/kg, administered over 15 minutes once daily on days 1 to 5 of a 21-day cycle. The first cycle is usually given in a hospital setting, with subsequent cycles possibly given in an outpatient setting if appropriate. The medication must be diluted and prepared by healthcare professionals before administration.

How it works

Tagraxofusp is a CD123-directed cytotoxin, which means it specifically targets cells that express the CD123 protein. It is a fusion protein made from human interleukin-3 (IL-3) and a portion of diphtheria toxin. When tagraxofusp binds to CD123 on the surface of certain blood cancer cells, it is taken into the cell. The diphtheria toxin part then inhibits protein synthesis inside the cell, leading to cell death.

This targeted approach helps destroy cancerous cells in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), a rare and aggressive blood cancer. By focusing on CD123, tagraxofusp aims to minimize damage to healthy cells that do not express this marker.

Who Should take it

Tagraxofusp is indicated for adults and children 2 years and older who have been diagnosed with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). BPDCN is a rare type of blood cancer that can involve the skin, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other organs.

This medication is used both in patients who are newly diagnosed and those whose disease has returned or did not respond to previous treatments. The decision to use tagraxofusp should be made by a healthcare provider experienced in treating blood cancers.

Who should not take it

There are no specific contraindications listed for tagraxofusp. However, patients should not take tagraxofusp if they have had a severe hypersensitivity reaction to the medication or any of its components in the past.

Caution is advised in patients with severe liver or kidney impairment, and those with low serum albumin levels, as these conditions may increase the risk of serious side effects. Pregnant women should avoid this medication due to potential risks to the fetus, and women should not breastfeed while receiving tagraxofusp.

Commonly used with

Tagraxofusp is primarily used as a single agent for BPDCN. It is not commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy or targeted agents for this indication, as its approval and main clinical studies have focused on its use alone.

Commonly tested with

In clinical trials, tagraxofusp has been studied as a single agent in patients with BPDCN. There are no specific other medications it is routinely tested with for this indication, but patients may receive supportive care medications such as antihistamines, acetaminophen, corticosteroids, and H2 blockers as premedication to reduce the risk of infusion reactions.