How Do CCR4 Inhibitors Work?

C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) inhibitors are a class of drugs used to treat mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, the most common subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). CTCL is a rare type of cancer that begins in white blood cells called T cells (T lymphocytes).

The only drug that belongs to this class is “mogamulizumab,” a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against CCR4 (a protein that in humans is encoded by the CCR4 gene) with potential anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic activities. They selectively bind to and inhibit the activity of CCR4, which may block the CCR4-mediated signal transduction pathway, which further blocks T cell proliferation, cellular migration, and chemokine-mediated angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels allowing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues).

CCR4 inhibitors are administered as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 60 minutes, typically once a week for the first four doses and then once every other week for as long as the treatment continues.

CCR4 inhibitors work in the following ways:

• They belong to a class of medications called “monoclonal antibodies” that work by changing the action of the immune system and activating it to attack the cancer cells which helps in slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

CCR4 inhibitors are indicated for adults with relapsed or refractory mycosis fungoides or Sezary syndrome after at least one prior systemic therapy.

Some of the common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Tiredness/weakness
• Mouth sores
• Joint/muscle pain
• Dryness of skin

Other rare side effects include:

• Dizziness 
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Insomnia 
• Shortness of breath
• Chills, sore throat, fever, or cough
• Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
• Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium level)
• Hypophosphatemia (low blood phosphate level)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level)
• Upper respiratory tract infection 

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 CCR4 inhibitors include:

• Mogamulizumab
• Mogamulizumab-kpkc
• Poteligeo