Category/Class

Humanized Fc-modified cytolytic CD19-targeting monoclonal antibody

Indication

Patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant

Dosing

Administer 12 mg/kg in combination with lenalidomide 25 mg for a maximum of twelve 28-day cycles. Tafasitamab-cxix may be continued as monotherapy until patients experience disease progression or severe toxicity.

Administration

Premedicate at least 30 minutes prior to tafasitamab-cxix infusion with acetaminophen, histamine H₁ receptor antagonists, histamine H₂ receptor antagonists, and glucocorticoids. Tafasitamab-cxix is administered as an IV infusion. The first dose should be infused at a rate of 70 ml per hour for the first 30 minutes, then increase the rate to infuse the remainder within 1.5–2.5 hours. Subsequent infusions do not need titration and can be administered over 1.5–2 hours.

Adverse Reactions

More than 20% of patients experienced neutropenia, fatigue, anemia, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, cough, pyrexia, peripheral edema, respiratory tract infection, and decreased appetite. The tafasitamab-cxix package insert carries the following warnings and precautions: possible severe reactions include infusion-
related reactions (chills, flushing, dyspnea, and hypertension), myelosuppression, infection, and embryo-fetal toxicity.

Nursing Considerations

Both tafasitamab-cxix and lenalidomide can result in major birth defects and miscarriage; verify pregnancy status prior to initiating therapy and educate patients about using effective contraception. Myelosuppression can occur; assess complete blood counts prior to and throughout treatment.

Drug-Drug and Drug-Food Interactions

No interactions are noted in the package insert.

Patient Education

Patients of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during and for three months following treatment. Breastfeeding during and for three months following treatment is not advised.

Gero-Oncology Considerations

Data were insufficient to support differences in efficacy between younger patients and those aged 65 years or older. However, clinical studies did demonstrate increased risk for serious adverse reactions in patients aged 65 or older (57%) compared to younger patients (39%).

Safe Handling

Based on its mechanism of action, tafasitamab-cxix can cause fetal harm.

Patient Assistance

Patient assistance is available by calling 855-421-6172 or visiting mymissionsupport.com.