Dostarlimab

Human monoclonal antibody used in cancer treatment

Dostarlimab
INN
Drug class	Monoclonal antibody
Routes of administration	Intravenous
Pregnancy category
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life
Excretion
Legal status	Rx-only
CAS Number
PubChem
DrugBank
ChemSpider
KEGG

Dostarlimab, sold under the brand name Jemperli, is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It is specifically designed to target the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor, a protein found on the surface of T cells that plays a critical role in downregulating the immune system and promoting self-tolerance by suppressing T cell inflammatory activity.

Mechanism of Action

Dostarlimab works by binding to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, blocking its interaction with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. This blockade prevents the "off" signal from being sent, allowing the T cells to remain active and attack cancer cells. This mechanism is part of a broader class of cancer treatments known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which aim to enhance the body's immune response against tumors.

Clinical Use

Dostarlimab is primarily used in the treatment of endometrial cancer and other solid tumors that exhibit microsatellite instability (MSI) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). These genetic features make tumors more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors like dostarlimab.

Administration

Dostarlimab is administered via intravenous infusion. The dosing schedule typically involves an initial phase of more frequent dosing, followed by maintenance doses at longer intervals. The specific regimen may vary based on the type of cancer being treated and the patient's response to therapy.

Side Effects

As with other immune checkpoint inhibitors, dostarlimab can cause a range of side effects, primarily due to increased immune activity. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and skin rash. More serious immune-mediated side effects can occur, affecting organs such as the lungs, liver, and endocrine glands.

Development and Approval

Dostarlimab was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and received its first approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2021 for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer that has progressed on or after prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research is exploring the use of dostarlimab in other types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Studies are also investigating its use in combination with other therapies, such as chemotherapy and other immunotherapies, to enhance its efficacy and broaden its application.

Related Pages

• Monoclonal antibody therapy
• Immune checkpoint inhibitor
• Programmed cell death protein 1
• Endometrial cancer