How Do Anti-CD19 Monoclonal Antibodies Work?

Anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies are a class of drugs used to treat adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that have relapsed or did not respond to previous treatment (refractory) and who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

They are an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of a humanized antibody, targeting the protein CD19.

Anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies are administered as a powder to be mixed with a liquid and given intravenously (into a vein).

Anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies work in the following ways:

• They work by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
• They are a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to CD19, a transmembrane protein located on B-cell surfaces, which plays a key role in enhancing B-cell receptor signaling.
• After binding to CD19, they are internalized into the cell, and subsequently, proteolytic cleavage releases the SG3199 component which further binds to the DNA minor groove, forming cytotoxic DNA interstrand crosslinks, leading to B-cell death.

Anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies are used to treat relapsed or refractory DLBCL in adults who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation.

Some of the common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Back pain

Other rare side effects include:

• Dizziness 
• Easy bruising
• Swelling of arms/legs
• Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
• Fatigue 
• Hypokalemia (low blood potassium level)
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

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-CD19 monoclonal antibodies include:

• Loncastuximab tesirine
• Monjuvi
• Tafasitamab
• Tafasitamab-cxix