Emapalumab for the Prevention of Cytokine Release Syndrome and Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma Receiving Bispecific T-Cell Engagers
This phase II trial tests safety, feasibility and effectiveness of emapalumab in the prevention of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma that has come back after a period of improvement (recurrent) or that does not respond to treatment (refractory) who are receiving bispecific t-cell engagers. A bispecific t-cell engager is a protein that connects cancer cells to immune cells, helping the immune system find and kill cancer more easily. Some side effects that can occur with these medications are CRS and ICANS. CRS occurs when the immune system overreacts and releases a large amount of anti-cancer chemicals, sometimes causing fever, tiredness, breathing problems, and even hospitalization for serious illness. ICANS is when the immune system causes trouble in the brain or nerves, leading to confusion, headaches, weakness, and even seizures or coma. Emapalumab is a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that can bind to certain targets in the body, such as molecules that cause the body to make an immune response (antigens). Emapalumab binds to a cytokine called interferon-gamma, which leads to suppression of the immune system. Giving emapalumab prior to receiving bispecific t-cell engagers may prevent these side effects without hurting the immune system, which can decrease the chance of hospital stays, costs, delays in treatment, and serious health risks.