What is Tafasitamab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Tafasitamab is a targeted cancer treatment designed specifically for certain types of blood cancers. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, which work like guided missiles to find and attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells mostly alone.

If you or someone you care about has been prescribed tafasitamab, you likely have many questions about what to expect. This medication represents an important advance in treating specific blood cancers, and understanding how it works can help you feel more prepared for your treatment journey.

What is Tafasitamab?

Tafasitamab is a laboratory-made antibody that targets a specific protein found on certain cancer cells. Think of it as a specialized key that fits only into the locks found on cancer cells, helping your immune system recognize and destroy these harmful cells more effectively.

The medication is given through an IV infusion, which means it's delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein. This allows the medicine to travel throughout your body to reach cancer cells wherever they may be hiding.

Tafasitamab is also known by its brand name Monjuvi. The full chemical name includes "cxix" which refers to the specific way this particular version of the medication is manufactured.

What is Tafasitamab Used For?

Tafasitamab is specifically approved to treat a type of blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This cancer affects your lymphatic system, which is part of your body's infection-fighting network.

Your doctor will typically prescribe this medication when the lymphoma has returned after previous treatments or hasn't responded well to other therapies. It's often used in combination with another medication called lenalidomide to make the treatment more effective.

The medication is designed for adults whose cancer cells test positive for a protein called CD19. Your medical team will run specific tests to confirm that tafasitamab is the right choice for your particular type of lymphoma.

How Does Tafasitamab Work?

Tafasitamab works by attaching to a protein called CD19 that sits on the surface of certain cancer cells. Once attached, it signals your immune system to attack and destroy these cells.

This medication is considered a moderately strong cancer treatment. It's powerful enough to effectively target cancer cells but typically causes fewer severe side effects than traditional chemotherapy drugs.

The treatment works in two main ways. First, it directly blocks signals that help cancer cells survive and multiply. Second, it recruits your body's natural immune cells to join the fight against the cancer.

How Should I Take Tafasitamab?

Tafasitamab is given only through IV infusion at a medical facility, so you won't be taking this medication at home. Your healthcare team will handle all the preparation and administration for you.

Before each infusion, you'll typically receive pre-medications to help prevent allergic reactions. These might include antihistamines, fever reducers, or steroids. Your medical team will monitor you closely during and after each infusion.

You don't need to follow any special diet restrictions with tafasitamab. However, it's important to stay well-hydrated before and after your treatments. Your healthcare team may provide specific guidelines about eating and drinking on treatment days.

How Long Should I Take Tafasitamab For?

The typical treatment course with tafasitamab lasts about 12 months, though this can vary based on how well you respond to the medication. Your treatment schedule will likely involve infusions every few weeks during this period.

Your doctor will regularly monitor your progress through blood tests and imaging scans. These checkups help determine whether the treatment is working effectively and whether any adjustments are needed.

The decision to continue or stop treatment depends on several factors, including how well the cancer responds, what side effects you experience, and your overall health. Your medical team will work closely with you to make these decisions.

What are the Side Effects of Tafasitamab?

Like all cancer treatments, tafasitamab can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it relatively well. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and know when to contact your healthcare team.

The most common side effects you might experience include fatigue, which can range from mild tiredness to more significant exhaustion. Many people also notice changes in their blood counts, which your medical team will monitor closely through regular blood tests.

Here are the more frequently reported side effects:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Low white blood cell counts (increasing infection risk)
• Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
• Low platelet counts (affecting blood clotting)
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Cough
• Fever

These side effects are generally manageable with proper medical support and monitoring. Your healthcare team has experience helping patients through these challenges.

Some people may experience more serious but less common side effects. These require immediate medical attention and include severe infections, significant bleeding, or serious allergic reactions during infusion.

Rare but serious side effects can include:

• Severe infections due to weakened immune system
• Tumor lysis syndrome (rapid breakdown of cancer cells)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (a rare brain infection)
• Hepatitis B reactivation in people with previous exposure

Your medical team will watch carefully for these rare complications and take steps to prevent them when possible. Don't hesitate to report any unusual symptoms, no matter how minor they might seem.

Who Should Not Take Tafasitamab?

Tafasitamab isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully evaluate whether it's safe for you. People with certain medical conditions or health situations may need to avoid this medication or require special monitoring.

You should not receive tafasitamab if you've had a severe allergic reaction to this medication or any of its components in the past. Your doctor will also be cautious if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to other monoclonal antibodies.

Your medical team will pay special attention if you have any of these conditions:

• Active infections, especially serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• History of hepatitis B infection
• Severely weakened immune system
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Live vaccine requirements

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this medication could potentially harm your developing baby. Your healthcare team will discuss safe contraception methods and family planning options with you.

Tafasitamab Brand Name

Tafasitamab is sold under the brand name Monjuvi in the United States. This brand name is what you'll typically see on your treatment schedules and insurance paperwork.

The medication is manufactured by MorphoSys and marketed in partnership with Incyte Corporation. When discussing your treatment with insurance companies or other healthcare providers, both names (tafasitamab and Monjuvi) refer to the same medication.

Tafasitamab Alternatives

Several other treatment options exist for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, though the best choice depends on your specific situation. Your doctor will consider factors like your overall health, previous treatments, and how your cancer responds.

Alternative treatments might include traditional chemotherapy combinations like R-CHOP or newer targeted therapies. CAR T-cell therapy represents another advanced option for some patients, though it requires specialized medical centers.

Some people might benefit from clinical trials testing newer experimental treatments. Your oncologist can help you understand whether any research studies might be appropriate for your situation.

Is Tafasitamab Better Than Rituximab?

Tafasitamab and rituximab are both monoclonal antibodies used to treat blood cancers, but they work in slightly different ways and are used in different situations. Comparing them isn't always straightforward because they're often used at different stages of treatment.

Rituximab has been available longer and is typically used as part of first-line treatment combinations. Tafasitamab is generally reserved for situations where the cancer has returned or didn't respond well to initial treatments.

Your doctor will choose the most appropriate medication based on your specific type of lymphoma, your treatment history, and your overall health. Both medications have proven effective in their intended uses, and the "better" choice depends entirely on your individual circumstances.