Uses of Monjuvi

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1. Mechanism of action of the drug Monjuvi

Monjuvi contains the ingredient Tafasitamab, a Fc-modified monoclonal antibody that binds to the CD19 antigen and induces expression on the surface of pre-B lymphocytes. As B lymphocytes mature and on some lymphocytes Malignant B will include DLBCL diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. By binding to CD19, Monjuvi mediates B-lymphocyte lysis through apoptosis and immune mechanisms.

2. What are the effects of Monjuvi?

What does Monjuvi do? Monjuvi is indicated in combination with lenalidomide for the treatment of recurrent or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in adults.

3. Dosage and how to use Monjuvi

Monjuvi is used as an intravenous injection or a direct infusion into a vein. The dose of Monjuvi used is based on the patient's body weight and the frequency of drug reception of the treatment process, along with the time of drug infusion to determine the correct dose of Monjuvi for each patient.
Monjuvi is indicated for treatment at the recommended dose of 12 mg/kg body weight and is used in combination with 25 mg of oral lenalidomide for up to 12 cycles. After that, Monjuvi can be continued for treatment until disease progression.
Each treatment cycle has a duration of approximately 28 days. Monjuvi will be infused at first at a rate of 70ml/hour and administered for the first 30 minutes, then continued to increase the rate so that the infusion is administered over a range of 1.5 to 2.5 hours. At the same time, the patient should be managed during the entire course of drug use by intravenous infusion within 1.5 to 2 hours.
During the use of the drug Monjuvi may interact with some prescription or over-the-counter drugs or herbs. Therefore, before deciding on the course of treatment, the patient needs to provide this information to the doctor so that the doctor can decide and choose the appropriate course for the treatment process.

4. Unwanted side effects and some notes on using Monjuvi

Using Monjuvi may experience some unwanted side effects, but the extent of this side effect depends on each patient.
Infection and decreased white blood cell count
Low white blood cell count causes leukopenia or neutropenia. White blood cells play an important role in the body's fight against infections. When treated with Tivdak, it can cause the number of white blood cells to decrease, especially the white blood cells, which increases the risk of infection in the patient's body. Patients may experience symptoms such as fever over 38 degrees Celsius, colds, sore throat, shortness of breath, burning when urinating and pain states that do not go away... When the patient experiences the above signs should immediately notify the treating doctor for examination and medical assistance promptly.
The platelet count is low and causes thrombocytopenia
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting so a low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, when taking care of patients, if you detect signs of unusual bleeding or bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in urine and stools, you should immediately notify your doctor. When platelets drop too low, the patient needs a platelet transfusion.
Low red blood cell count leads to anemia
The number of red blood cells in the body is responsible for transporting oxygen to the body's tissues. When the number of red blood cells is low, the patient's body will be tired, shortness of breath, chest pain. And in case the red blood cell count is too low, a blood transfusion is needed.
Diarrhea :
Diarrhea may occur in cases treated with this medicine. So your doctor may prescribe some medications to help improve diarrhea.
In addition, patients should eat low-fiber foods, boiled chicken, white rice, to limit diarrhea. In addition, patients should avoid raw vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals ... The soluble fiber in some liquid foods can help reduce diarrhea. This includes apple sauce, bananas, canned fruit, boiled potatoes, or products made with oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, potato chips. Patients should drink from 8 to 10 glasses of non-alcoholic, caffeinated water each day to limit dehydration.
Peripheral edema
Peripheral swelling due to fluid retention may occur with the use of Monjuvi. May cause swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles... The swelling causes discomfort to the patient.
The patient is always in a state of fatigue
After cancer treatment, the patient always feels exhausted and tired and this condition takes a long time to improve. Therefore, patients need to be guided to adjust as well as plan for long rest and save energy for important activities. In addition, the patient can do exercise to improve fatigue by walking, relaxing... Reduces appetite
Diet plays an important role in the treatment disease prevention and patient care. And cancer treatment can affect a person's appetite. And in some special cases, the main side effect of cancer treatment can make it difficult for patients to eat and drink. Therefore, patients can apply to eat small meals and divide them into many meals, need to provide enough useful nutrients for the body. Adding flavor-enhancing foods helps to stimulate the patient's eating better.
Infusion-related side effects
During treatment may cause reactions chills, fever, flushing, shortness of breath and high blood pressure. Patients should be careful to prevent this reaction. And infusion-related reactions can occur in cases where the first treatment is performed
Birth defects
Monjuvi medicine in direct contact with the fetus can cause birth defects. Therefore, women who are pregnant or who are planning to have children should not use Monjuvi. Therefore, effective birth control is essential during treatment with Monjuvi and for at least 3 months after treatment with Monjuvi.

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Reference source: oncolink.org