How it Works

Isatuximab is a new anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. It is a targeted immunotherapy that can “find and bind” to myeloma cells. Isatuximab works together with your immune system to help destroy myeloma cells.

It works in three distinct ways to reduce the number of myeloma cells:

It finds and binds to myeloma cells and exposes them for elimination by the immune system
It helps boost your immune system, making it harder for myeloma to survive
It directly kills myeloma cells

How it’s Administered

Isatuximab is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion into your vein with dexamethasone to prevent allergic reactions. The dose depends on your size; it is usually given at a dose of 10mg/kg actual body weight.

Who Should Take Isatuximab

Isatuximab can be used in the following ways:

Isatuximab with pomalidomide and dex for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with at least two prior drugs (lenalidomide and at least one proteasome inhibitor)
Isatuximab with carfilzomib and dex for patients who have received 1-3 lines of myeloma therapy that didn’t work or is no longer working
Patients with the 1Q gain may benefit from isatuximab (need reference)
Patients with renal (kidney) issues may benefit from isatuximab (need reference)

Who Shouldn’t Take Isatuximab

Patients with a history of a severe allergic reaction to Isatuximab-irfc or any of the ingredients in isatuximab
Pregnant patients

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Isatuximab Include:

Low numbers of white blood cells known as neutrophils (neutropenia)
Infusion-related reactions
Pneumonia
Upper respiratory tract infection
Diarrhea
Fatigue
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Insomnia
Bronchitis
Cough
Back pain
Anemia
Low numbers of white blood cells known as lymphocytes (lymphopenia)
Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)

Commonly Used With

Alone as a single agent
Pomalidomide and dexamethasone
Lenalidomide and dexamethasone
Carfilzomib and dexamethasone
Bortezomib
Carfilzomib, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone

Currently Being Tested With Isatuximab

Steroids: Dexamethasone
Chemotherapeutic drugs: Cyclophosphamide
Immunomodulators agents: Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide
Proteasome inhibitors: Carfilzomib, Bortezomib
Monoclonal antibodies: Cemiplimab
Antibody-Drug Conjugate: Belantamab mafodotin

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isatuximab

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