glofitamab at a glance
Medicine class
CD20/CD3 bispecific monoclonal antibody
Main licensed use
Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in adults
Administration
Diluted and given by intravenous infusion in a specialist cancer service
Key early risk
Cytokine release syndrome, requiring preventive measures and close monitoring
What is glofitamab used for?
UK-licensed uses in adults are:
With gemcitabine and oxaliplatin for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified when autologous stem-cell transplantation is unsuitable.
As monotherapy for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after at least two previous lines of systemic treatment.
How does glofitamab work?
Glofitamab binds CD20 on B cells and CD3 on T cells simultaneously. This brings the cells together, activates the T cell and triggers release of proteins that kill the CD20-bearing B cell.
glofitamab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 2.5 mg, 10 mg
How to take glofitamab
Glofitamab is not taken at home. A trained healthcare professional dilutes the concentrate and gives it through a dedicated intravenous infusion line in a hospital or specialist clinic.
Obinutuzumab is given beforehand to reduce B cells and lower the risk of cytokine release syndrome.
Preventive medicines may include a corticosteroid, an antihistamine and a fever-reducing medicine.
Patients are monitored during infusions and closely after early treatment.
Carry the supplied patient card and show it whenever seeking medical care.
glofitamab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Cytokine release syndrome, often involving fever, chills, dizziness or breathlessness
- Reduced neutrophils, red blood cells or platelets
- Rash or fever
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- Infections
- Headache or musculoskeletal pain
- Peripheral neuropathy when used with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin
- Changes in electrolytes or liver blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Cytokine release syndrome with low blood pressure, low oxygen or organ impairment
- Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, including confusion, reduced consciousness, speech or writing difficulty, or seizures
- Severe or opportunistic infection, sepsis or febrile neutropenia
- Tumour lysis syndrome
- Tumour flare affecting a critical anatomical site
- Severe bleeding or very low blood-cell counts
glofitamab in pregnancy
Glofitamab is not recommended during pregnancy because it crosses the placenta and may deplete fetal B cells. Anyone who could become pregnant should use highly effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 months afterwards, and contact the specialist immediately if pregnancy occurs.
glofitamab while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment and for 2 months afterwards. It is unknown whether glofitamab reaches breast milk or could harm a breastfed child.
glofitamab interactions
Formal interaction studies are limited. The treatment team should review all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products.
Warfarin, ciclosporin and other narrow-therapeutic-index CYP450 substrates
Early cytokine release may temporarily reduce CYP450 activity, potentially increasing exposure; additional monitoring may be needed when treatment starts.
Live vaccines
Live vaccination is not recommended during treatment because safety has not been established and immune function is affected.
Common questions about glofitamab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is glofitamab immunotherapy?
Yes. It is a bispecific antibody that redirects the patient’s T cells towards CD20-bearing B cells.
Why is obinutuzumab given beforehand?
It reduces circulating and lymphoid B cells, helping lower the risk of cytokine release syndrome.
Can glofitamab affect the nervous system?
Yes. It can cause immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, with symptoms such as confusion, reduced alertness, speech or writing difficulty, disorientation or seizures.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.