Tafasitamab — Drug Monograph

Brand names: Monjuvi

Drug class: Monoclonal Antibody

Mechanism of Action

Tafasitamab is an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD19 antigen expressed on the surface of pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. The Fc modification increases the antibody's affinity for Fcγ receptors on effector cells, significantly enhancing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). It also induces direct apoptosis upon binding to CD19. This triple mechanism of action allows for potent depletion of CD19-positive B-cell malignancies.

FDA Indications

• In combination with lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from low-grade lymphoma, and who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

Common Side Effects

• Neutropenia
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Thrombocytopenia
• Cough
• Pyrexia
• Peripheral edema
• Respiratory tract infection
• Decreased appetite

Clinical Pearl

Tafasitamab provides an important "off-the-shelf" option for DLBCL patients who are not candidates for CAR-T cell therapy or ASCT. Unlike CD20-targeted therapies like rituximab, tafasitamab targets CD19, which is often preserved even after CD20 loss. The Fc-engineering is a key technological feature that differentiates it from older monoclonal antibodies by significantly boosting the immune system's ability to clear the cancer cells.

Related Therapies & Mechanisms

• Alemtuzumab (Campath) — Monoclonal Antibody · Lymphoma
• Mogamulizumab (Poteligeo) — Monoclonal Antibody · Lymphoma
• Mosunetuzumab (Lunsumio) — Monoclonal Antibody · Lymphoma
• Obinutuzumab (Gazyva) — Monoclonal Antibody · Lymphoma