loncastuximab tesirine at a glance
Medicine class
CD19-targeted antibody–drug conjugate and antineoplastic treatment
Licensed use
Previously treated relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma in adults
Administration
Given by intravenous infusion under specialist cancer-team supervision
Important precaution
May cause serious infection, low blood counts, fluid retention and sunlight-related skin reactions
What is loncastuximab tesirine used for?
The selected UK product is licensed as monotherapy for:
Adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
Adults with relapsed or refractory high-grade B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
How does loncastuximab tesirine work?
The antibody component recognises CD19 on B-lineage cells and carries the medicine into the cell. Proteolytic cleavage releases SG3199, which crosslinks DNA, prevents cell division and leads to cell death.
loncastuximab tesirine preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 10 mg
How to take loncastuximab tesirine
Loncastuximab tesirine is prepared and given into a vein by a specialist healthcare team. It is not taken by mouth.
A corticosteroid premedication is normally used to reduce treatment-related toxicities unless unsuitable.
Protect skin from direct natural and artificial sunlight, including sunlight through windows, using protective clothing and sunscreen.
Tell the team promptly about infusion-site pain, swelling or irritation.
loncastuximab tesirine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Low neutrophil, red-cell or platelet counts
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Peripheral swelling or fluid retention
- Rash, itching or skin redness
- Abnormal liver blood tests
- Breathlessness or fluid around the lungs
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious infection or sepsis, including infection associated with low neutrophils
- Severe low blood counts causing infection, bleeding or symptomatic anaemia
- Pleural or pericardial effusion, marked oedema or possible capillary leak syndrome
- Severe photosensitivity, blistering or other serious skin reactions
- Severe infusion-site tissue injury
loncastuximab tesirine in pregnancy
Loncastuximab tesirine may harm an unborn baby because its cytotoxic component damages DNA in dividing cells. It is not recommended during pregnancy unless a specialist judges that the potential benefit outweighs the fetal risk. Pregnancy testing before treatment and effective contraception are advised; discuss contraception and any suspected pregnancy immediately with the oncology team.
loncastuximab tesirine while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether loncastuximab tesirine or its cytotoxic component enters human milk, and harm to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. Breastfeeding should be stopped during treatment and for at least three months after the last administration.
loncastuximab tesirine interactions
Human interaction studies have not been performed, although clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected. Tell the oncology team about all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products.
Common questions about loncastuximab tesirine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of treatment is loncastuximab tesirine?
It is an antibody–drug conjugate: a CD19-targeted antibody joined to a potent cytotoxic payload.
How is loncastuximab tesirine administered?
A specialist cancer team prepares it and gives it by intravenous infusion.
Can loncastuximab tesirine make skin sensitive to sunlight?
Yes. Sunlight, including through windows, may trigger severe sunburn-like or other skin reactions, so protective clothing and sunscreen are advised.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.