Category: Immunotherapy

Endocrine-related adverse events are among the most common complications of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, occurring in approximately 10% of patients. These immune-related side effects can impact hormone-producing glands throughout the body, necessitating careful monitoring and management alongside a patient's cancer treatment.

Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, is the most common and most lethal cardiovascular adverse event linked to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, with some estimates reporting mortality rates as high as 50%. Understanding what is the most common manifestation of cardiotoxicity associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors is critical for early detection and improving patient outcomes.

According to the National Cancer Institute, immunotherapy can boost the body’s immune response to fight cancer, but certain other medications can interfere with this delicate process. Therefore, understanding what medications should I avoid with immunotherapy is crucial for maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.

Between 2021 and 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked Emergency Use Authorizations for several specific COVID-19 treatments. While this led to public questions asking why were monoclonal antibodies banned, the reality is more nuanced, involving a complex interplay of viral evolution, therapeutic effectiveness, and evolving safety data.

The first FDA-approved monoclonal antibody (mAb) for therapeutic use, muromonab-CD3, was approved in 1986 for preventing organ transplant rejection, marking a new era of targeted medicine. Since this historic milestone, a diverse and growing range of FDA approved monoclonal antibody therapies has revolutionized treatment paradigms across various diseases.

The global monoclonal antibody therapeutics market was valued at over USD 233 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow significantly [1.11.1]. This highlights the pivotal role of these engineered proteins in modern medicine. So, **what is an example of a monoclonal antibody being used?**

Approximately 40% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients do not respond to initial chemotherapy, highlighting the need for advanced treatments. **Is Breyanzi an immunotherapy?** Yes, it is—specifically, it is an innovative type of CAR T-cell therapy that uses a patient's own modified immune cells to attack cancer.

According to the U.S. Pharmacopeia, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins designed to mimic the immune system's natural defenses, and they are used to treat a wide array of conditions, from cancer to autoimmune disorders. When a drug name ends in `–mab`, it signals that it belongs to this class of highly specific, targeted biological agents.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the monoclonal antibody rituximab does not meet the criteria for a hazardous drug, and it is explicitly not a biohazard because it contains no microorganisms. This distinction is crucial for understanding the appropriate handling and safety protocols for this potent medication.

First approved by the FDA in February 2021, Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel) is a revolutionary and personalized form of cancer treatment. So, what is the generic name for Breyanzi? It is lisocabtagene maraleucel, a highly specialized and individualized cellular immunotherapy. This therapy is developed for each patient using their own genetically modified immune cells to fight specific blood cancers.