pembrolizumab + daratumumab

**Pembrolizumab + daratumumab** is an experimental combination therapy comprising two monoclonal antibodies: pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, and daratumumab, a CD38-directed cytolytic antibody. Pembrolizumab works by blocking the PD-1 immune checkpoint on T cells, thereby enhancing immune responses against tumors. Daratumumab targets CD38, a surface protein highly expressed on multiple myeloma cells and also present on some immune regulatory cells, leading to cell death via several immune-mediated mechanisms including complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, and apoptosis. This combination has been explored in clinical trials for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), but available data indicate increased immunotoxicity and a lack of enhanced clinical efficacy; concerns include higher rates of immune-mediated toxicity and possible antagonistic effects where daratumumab-mediated depletion of activated CD38+ T cells may diminish the benefits of PD-1 blockade. The combination is not approved for any indication.

Other names

pembrolizumab and daratumumabdaratumumab and pembrolizumabPembro + Dara