Linvoseltamab: A New Horizon for Relapsed Myeloma

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EP: 1.Linvoseltamab: A New Horizon for Relapsed Myeloma

The recent approval of linvoseltamab adds another powerful tool to the already effective class of drugs known as bispecific antibodies. This new therapy joins a growing roster of treatments—among them teclistamab and elranatamab—that are changing the landscape for patients with relapsed myeloma, providing oncologists and their patients with one more valuable choice in this therapeutic space. An additional approved bispecific antibody, talquetamab, targets GPRC5D and has demonstrated equal effectiveness in this patient population.

Although the 3 BCMA-targeted bispecific antibodies share a common target, they possess unique properties that can influence treatment decisions. A key distinction is the method of administration; while some other bispecifics are given subcutaneously, linvoseltamab is administered intravenously (IV). It also has a flexible dosing strategy. Treatment begins with weekly infusions, but the frequency can be reduced over time based on patient response. The schedule can be decreased to every other week and, for patients achieving a deep response, extended to once every 4 weeks. This adaptable schedule can significantly impact a patient's quality of life by reducing the number of required hospital visits. Furthermore, the adverse effect (AE) profile of linvoseltamab differs from its counterparts. Specifically, the kinetics and time of onset for cytokine release syndrome, a common AE of this drug class, are different with linvoseltamab compared with the other available antibodies.

The availability of multiple effective bispecific antibodies is crucial because it allows for more personalized treatment plans. The decision of which specific antibody to use for a given patient depends on a variety of factors, including these unique drug characteristics. From a patient's perspective, the approval of linvoseltamab brings 2 important benefits:

• Having 1 more effective treatment option available
• Having the ability to choose a therapy that best fits logistical and lifestyle needs

Ultimately, having a choice among therapies with different administration methods, dosing schedules, and side effect profiles empowers both physicians and patients to select the most appropriate path forward.