How it is administered

Talquetamab is given as a subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin). It is available as a ready-to-use solution in single-dose vials and is administered by a healthcare provider.

The dosing schedule starts with a step-up dosing phase to help reduce the risk of certain side effects. After this, the medication is given either once weekly or every two weeks, depending on the regimen your doctor chooses. The dose is based on your body weight. Patients are typically hospitalized for 48 hours after each dose in the step-up phase to monitor for side effects.

How it works

Talquetamab is a type of medicine called a bispecific antibody. It works by binding to two different targets: a protein called GPRC5D found on multiple myeloma cells, and a protein called CD3 found on T-cells (a type of immune cell). By connecting these two cells, talquetamab helps your own immune system recognize and attack the myeloma cells.

When talquetamab brings T-cells close to the myeloma cells, it activates the T-cells to release substances (cytokines) that can destroy the cancer cells. This targeted approach helps to kill the myeloma cells while sparing most normal cells, although some healthy cells that have GPRC5D can also be affected, leading to certain side effects.

Who Should take it

Talquetamab is approved for adults with multiple myeloma that has come back (relapsed) or has not responded to previous treatments (refractory). It is specifically for patients who have already received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

This medication is usually considered when other standard treatments are no longer working, and your doctor will discuss whether it is appropriate for your specific situation based on your treatment history and overall health.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for talquetamab, but it should not be used in patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Talquetamab may cause harm to an unborn baby, so it should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. The safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Caution is also advised in patients with severe liver or kidney problems, as the effects in these groups are not fully known.

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 cancer therapies during its approved use, but your doctor may use supportive medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antipyretics to help prevent or manage side effects like cytokine release syndrome.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, talquetamab was tested as a single agent in patients who had previously received multiple other treatments for multiple myeloma. Supportive medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and antipyretics were commonly used alongside talquetamab to reduce the risk of side effects during the step-up dosing phase. It was not routinely tested in combination with other cancer treatments in the main studies leading to its approval.