From the Research
Enlaratamab has shown promising survival outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma, particularly those who have relapsed or become refractory to other treatments, with a recommended dosing regimen of 2.5 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion once every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. The medication works as an antibody-drug conjugate targeting BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen), which is highly expressed on myeloma cells, delivering a cytotoxic agent directly to cancer cells, leading to cell death and improved survival outcomes 1.
Key Considerations for Enlaratamab Treatment
- Before starting treatment, patients should undergo a comprehensive eye examination as the medication can cause keratopathy.
- Prophylactic eye drops (corticosteroid and lubricating) should be used before and after each infusion.
- Patients typically require premedication with dexamethasone 20mg (or equivalent) at least 30-60 minutes before infusion to prevent infusion-related reactions.
- Dose modifications may be necessary based on adverse events, particularly ocular toxicity.
- Regular monitoring of ocular health, blood counts, and disease response is essential throughout treatment.
Rationale for Treatment
The use of targeted therapies like enlaratamab has been shown to improve overall survival and progression-free survival in cancer patients, particularly when matched to the individual's genomic profile 1. However, the response to targeted therapy can vary significantly between patients, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Combination Therapies and Future Directions
Combination therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted alpha therapy, are being explored to improve treatment outcomes for various types of cancer, including small cell lung cancer and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer 2, 3, 4. These approaches aim to overcome resistance to single-agent therapies and improve patient outcomes.
Patient-Reported Outcomes
Patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life and symptom management, are critical considerations in cancer treatment. Studies have shown that certain combination therapies can delay deterioration in global health status/quality of life and improve symptom management in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer 4.
Overall, enlaratamab offers a promising treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma, particularly those who have relapsed or become refractory to other treatments. However, careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, as well as regular monitoring and personalized treatment approaches, are essential to optimize patient outcomes.