Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Myeloma

Targeting SLAMF7 and CD38

Abstract

The recent explosion of immune-based treatments for cancer has significantly impacted remission durations and overall survival for many diseases. Multiple myeloma is no exception to this trend, with several immune-based treatments including checkpoint blockade, cellular therapy, and most advanced now antibody-based treatment coming to fruition. While the use of monoclonal antibodies has been a significant interest in myeloma for some time, identifying the ideal target has been an issue. Given the dependence of plasma cells on interleukin 6 signaling for survival and proliferation, there were several trials testing both single agent and combination therapy effects of anti–interleukin 6 antibodies, which did not demonstrate significant clinical activity; however, more recent antibodies targeting receptors such as CD38 and SLAMF7 (previously known as CS1) are demonstrating significant clinical benefit. In this article, we briefly review the preclinical and clinical data surrounding these 2 important targets and the antibodies that clinically will be used as therapeutic agents in the context of multiple myeloma.