Reduction in grade 3 to 5 infections seen among patients with multiple myeloma treated with BCMA-targeted bispecific antibodies<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter<\/b><\/p>\n
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THURSDAY, Oct. 5, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with multiple myeloma treated with anti-B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) therapy have infections, and the rate of infections is significantly lower when patients are receiving intravenous immunoglobulin, according to a study published online Sept. 28 in Blood Cancer Discovery<\/em>.<\/p>\n Guido Lancman, M.D., from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University Health Network in Toronto, and colleagues conducted a retrospective study to characterize all infections and their risk factors and to assess the impact of infection prophylaxis among 37 patients with multiple myeloma treated with BCMA-targeted bispecific antibodies.<\/p>\n The researchers found that 41 percent of the patients experienced a grade 3 to 5 infection; two infection-related deaths occurred during deep remissions. Overall, 84 percent of the infections occurred during remission. Over time, there was an increase in the cumulative probability of grade 3 to 5 infection, with no plateau. There were 26 responders, all of whom had profound hypogammaglobulinemia, which continued throughout the duration of treatment. The rate of grade 3 to 5 infections was 90 percent lower during periods when patients were receiving intravenous immunoglobulin than during observation. No other risk factors were identified for infection.<\/p>\n “Given the very high rates of serious infections and deaths in patients receiving these treatments, this study supports a proactive rather than a reactive approach, meaning initiation of intravenous immunoglobulin prophylaxis from the beginning rather than waiting for patients to experience complications,” Lancman said in a statement.<\/p>\n Several authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.<\/p>\n <\/span>Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/i><\/p>\n