teclistamab at a glance
Medicine class
BCMA- and CD3-directed bispecific antibody
Main use
Relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in adults after specified previous treatments
Administration
Injection under the skin by a trained healthcare professional
Key risks
Cytokine release syndrome, neurological toxicity and serious infection
What is teclistamab used for?
Licensed use:
Used alone in adults with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma after at least three previous therapies that included an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor and an anti-CD38 antibody, where the disease progressed on the latest therapy.
How does teclistamab work?
Teclistamab binds BCMA on myeloma cells and CD3 on T cells. This brings the cells together and activates the T cell to damage and kill BCMA-expressing cells.
teclistamab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 10 mg/mL, 90 mg/mL
How to take teclistamab
Teclistamab is prepared and injected under the skin of the abdomen or thigh by a trained healthcare professional. It must not be injected into a vein. Follow instructions about monitoring and remaining near the treatment centre, because serious immune reactions can develop.
Attend every treatment and monitoring appointment.
Carry any patient alert card provided by the treatment centre.
Do not self-administer or mix vial concentrations.
teclistamab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Low immunoglobulin levels, increasing susceptibility to infection
- Low white cells, red cells or platelets
- Cytokine release syndrome
- Respiratory, urinary or lung infections
- Muscle, joint or bone pain
- Tiredness, headache or fever
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or constipation
- Injection-site reactions
- Cough or shortness of breath
Get urgent medical advice
- Cytokine release syndrome: fever, chills, dizziness, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat or breathing difficulty
- Neurological toxicity or ICANS: confusion, reduced alertness, sleepiness, difficulty speaking or writing, weakness or seizures
- Severe or rapidly worsening infection
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: new visual, speech, balance, strength, sensation or memory problems
- Tumour flare causing increasing pain, weakness or possible nerve or spinal compression
- Serious hypersensitivity reaction
teclistamab in pregnancy
Teclistamab is not recommended during pregnancy because human data are unavailable and this type of antibody can cross the placenta. Pregnancy status should be checked before treatment where relevant, and effective contraception is advised during treatment and for five months after the final administration. Contact the specialist team promptly if pregnancy occurs.
teclistamab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether teclistamab enters breast milk, but serious effects in a breastfed infant are possible. Breastfeeding is not advised during treatment or for at least five months after the final administration; discuss feeding plans with the specialist team.
teclistamab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Tell the treatment team about prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products.
Narrow-therapeutic-index CYP450 substrates, such as ciclosporin
Cytokine release may temporarily alter metabolism and raise or lower exposure, so concentrations or toxicity may need closer monitoring.
Live viral vaccines
Live vaccines are not recommended around or during treatment because safety has not been established and vaccine responses may be reduced.
Common questions about teclistamab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of treatment is teclistamab?
It is a bispecific antibody that connects BCMA-bearing myeloma cells with CD3-bearing T cells so the immune system can attack the cancer cells.
How is teclistamab administered?
A healthcare professional injects it under the skin of the abdomen or thigh. It must not be given intravenously.
What is cytokine release syndrome?
CRS is an immune reaction that may cause fever, chills, dizziness, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure or breathing difficulty. Symptoms require immediate contact with the treatment team.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.