How Do Anti-Nectin-4 Monoclonal Antibodies Work?

Anti-nectin-4 monoclonal antibodies are a class of drugs used to treat certain types of cancers (Hodgkin's lymphoma, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides). They are an antibody-drug conjugate medication that combines an anti-CD30 antibody or nectin-4 with the drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) that works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Lymphoma is a malignancy that begins in the lymphatic system, which helps to combat infection and disease. Lymphoma may begin anywhere in the body and can spread to nearby lymph nodes. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also called Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

Anti-nectin-4 monoclonal antibodies are available as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over 30 minutes typically given on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle.

Anti-nectin-4 monoclonal antibodies work in the following ways:

• They belong to a class of medications known as "monoclonal antibodies" that work by killing the cancer cells.
• They work by helping the immune system to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• In addition, they destroy the tumor cells by inhibiting their ability to replicate.

Anti-nectin-4 monoclonal antibodies are used in conditions such as:

• Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a type of lymphoma, which is blood cancer, that starts in the lymphatic system)
• Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a type of T-cell lymphoma—a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that develops from white blood cells called T cells)
• Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
• CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (a rare and hard to treat T-cell lymphoma)
• Advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract) 

Some of the common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Dry skin/eyes
• Skin redness, swelling, fever, or pain at the injection site
• Abdominal pain
• Tiredness

Other rare side effects include:

• Fever
• Fatigue (an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy)
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness, burning, or tingling in hands or feet
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Neutropenia (lower than normal levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell)
• Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
• Peripheral edema (swelling of lower legs or hands)
• Dizziness (feeling faint, weak, or unsteady)

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of anti-nectin-4 monoclonal antibodies include:

• Adcetris
• Brentuximab vedotin
• Enfortumab vedotin
• Enfortumab vedotin-ejfv
• Padcev