Empliciti

• Empliciti (elotuzumab) is an immunostimulatory monoclonal antibody.
• It is primarily used to treat relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in combination with other drugs.
• The drug targets the SLAMF7 protein found on multiple myeloma cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
• Common side effects include fatigue, fever, and gastrointestinal issues, while serious side effects can involve infusion reactions and infections.
• Empliciti is administered intravenously, typically as part of a multi-drug regimen.

What is Empliciti (Elotuzumab)?

Empliciti (elotuzumab) is a prescription medication classified as an immunostimulatory monoclonal antibody. It is specifically designed to target a protein called Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family member 7 (SLAMF7), which is found on the surface of multiple myeloma cells and natural killer (NK) cells.

The Empliciti drug class and mechanism involve binding to SLAMF7, which then facilitates two primary actions. Firstly, it directly activates NK cells, enhancing their ability to recognize and destroy myeloma cells. Secondly, by binding to SLAMF7 on myeloma cells, it marks them for destruction by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), a process where immune cells are recruited to kill target cells. This dual mechanism helps to bolster the body’s immune response against the cancer.

Empliciti Uses and Treatment of Multiple Myeloma

What is Empliciti used for? Empliciti is approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a cancer that forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Specifically, it is indicated for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, meaning the cancer has returned after prior treatment or has not responded to previous therapies. It is typically used in combination with other anti-myeloma agents, such as lenalidomide and dexamethasone, or pomalidomide and dexamethasone.

How Empliciti treats multiple myeloma involves its unique ability to engage both the cancer cells and the immune system. By targeting SLAMF7, Empliciti helps the immune system, particularly NK cells, to more effectively identify and eliminate malignant plasma cells. Multiple myeloma accounts for approximately 10% of all hematologic cancers, affecting over 176,000 people worldwide annually, highlighting the need for effective treatment options like Empliciti (Source: World Health Organization, 2020). Its role in combination regimens is crucial for improving patient outcomes, often leading to prolonged progression-free survival compared to standard therapies alone.

The combination therapy approach is vital because multiple myeloma is a complex disease that often develops resistance to single agents. Empliciti enhances the efficacy of other drugs by providing an additional pathway for cancer cell destruction and immune modulation.

Empliciti Side Effects and Dosage

Like all medications, Empliciti side effects and dosage are important considerations for patients and healthcare providers. Common side effects associated with Empliciti can include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Cough
• Pneumonia

More serious side effects, though less common, can include infusion reactions, which may manifest as fever, chills, rash, or shortness of breath during or shortly after administration. Patients are closely monitored during infusions to manage these reactions. Additionally, Empliciti can increase the risk of infections due to its impact on the immune system, and in rare cases, liver problems have been reported. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare team promptly.

Regarding dosage, Empliciti is administered intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare professional. The specific dosage and frequency depend on the patient’s individual condition, weight, and the other medications it is combined with. It is typically given in cycles, often weekly for the first two cycles, and then every two or four weeks thereafter, as part of a long-term treatment plan. Adherence to the prescribed dosage schedule is crucial for maximizing the therapeutic benefits and managing potential side effects effectively.