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The monoclonal antibody daratumumab is a new and effective drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Results of clinical trials have demonstrated a high efficacy in monotherapy and an even higher when used in combination. Daratumumab monotherapy in heavily-pre-treated patients showed a 30% overall response rate with response persisting for more than six months. Combination of daratumumab and immunomodulatory drugs has shown a more than 90% response rate and significant extension of progression-free survival versus standard care in relapsed patients. This review summarizes current preclinical and clinical data on daratumumab treatment in multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) are currently the most investigated and the most developed therapeutic compounds not only in oncology but also in other medical fields. The first monoclonal antibody introduced into haematology practise was rituximab. The use of this anti-CD20 antibody in the treatment of B-lymphocytic malignancies meant significant improvement in treatment outcomes, but its activity in multiple myeloma (MM) was low. At the moment, there is no monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of MM, nevertheless several truly promising molecules are under investigation in phase III clinical trials. Daratumumab (anti-CD38) and elotuzumab (anti-CS1) have especially shown exceptional efficacy in phase I/II clinical trials. Their toxicity was acceptable, which is important if they are to be added to standard anti-myeloma agents such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents in combinational treatment. In this review, we focus on the most promising monoclonal antibodies currently under investigation. The mechanism of action and the rationale for using each monoclonal antibody in MM are explained and practically all available results are described. If the results of phase III trials confirm the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies, they could become an important part in the treatment of multiple myeloma that would translate into further improvement of therapeutic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]