monalizumab + trastuzumab

Monalizumab + trastuzumab is an investigational combination therapy consisting of two monoclonal antibodies. Monalizumab is a first-in-class humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that targets the inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor NKG2A, expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and some CD8+ T cells, thereby unleashing their anti-tumor activity. Trastuzumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the HER2/neu (ERBB2) receptor, commonly overexpressed in certain cancers such as HER2-positive breast cancer; it mediates its effect through inhibition of HER2 signaling and by promoting antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The rationale for combining these agents is to enhance immune-mediated tumor cell killing by both blocking inhibitory signals on effector lymphocytes (via monalizumab) and targeting tumor cells for destruction via ADCC (via trastuzumab). This combination has been studied in metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients who have progressed after prior anti-HER2 therapies[1][2][4][10].

Brand names

Herceptin

Other names

monalizumab + trastuzumab