Loncastuximab tesirine

Loncastuximab tesirine (also known as ADCT-402) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed for the treatment of certain types of B-cell lymphoma. This therapeutic agent combines a monoclonal antibody targeting CD19, a protein commonly found on the surface of B-cell lymphomas, with a cytotoxic agent, tesirine. The antibody component of loncastuximab tesirine binds to CD19-expressing cells, facilitating the delivery of the cytotoxic payload directly to the cancer cells, thereby minimizing the impact on healthy cells.

Mechanism of Action

Loncastuximab tesirine works through a targeted approach. The monoclonal antibody component specifically binds to CD19, a protein expressed on the surface of B-cells. Upon binding, the complex is internalized, and the cytotoxic agent tesirine is released inside the cancer cell. Tesirine induces DNA damage by intercalating into DNA strands, leading to cell death. This targeted approach helps to reduce the damage to non-cancerous cells, potentially leading to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Clinical Trials and Approval

Clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of loncastuximab tesirine in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas. The results from these studies have demonstrated significant antitumor activity, leading to its approval by regulatory agencies for the treatment of specific lymphoma subtypes.

In April 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to loncastuximab tesirine for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. This approval was based on the overall response rate and duration of response observed in a pivotal clinical trial.

Adverse Effects

Like all therapeutic agents, loncastuximab tesirine is associated with a range of adverse effects. Common side effects include fatigue, neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), anemia, and increased levels of liver enzymes. More severe side effects can include serious infections, liver toxicity, and tumor lysis syndrome, a condition that occurs when cancer cells break down rapidly, releasing their contents into the bloodstream.

Usage

Loncastuximab tesirine is administered intravenously. The dosing schedule typically involves treatment cycles, with the drug being given on the first day of each cycle. The number of cycles and the duration of treatment depend on the patient's response to therapy and the occurrence of any adverse effects.

Future Directions

Research is ongoing to explore the potential of loncastuximab tesirine in combination with other therapeutic agents and in other types of B-cell malignancies. These studies aim to improve the efficacy and safety profile of the treatment and to expand its indications.

See Also

• Antibody-drug conjugate
• B-cell lymphoma
• CD19
• Chemotherapy
• Monoclonal antibody