Opinion
Video
Overcoming Challenges Related to Bispecific Antibody Adoption in Multiple Myeloma
Experts discuss challenges related to the implementation of bispecific antibodies for the treatment of multiple myeloma and emphasize the critical role of interinstitutional collaboration in developing bispecific antibody programs.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a Practice Pearls involving Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA; Matthew Pianko, MD; and Anthony Perissinotti, PharmD, BCOP.
Pianko shares that limited inpatient bed capacity has been the biggest challenge with bispecific antibody implementation at University of Michigan Health. To address this, they worked to optimize step-up dosing schedules to the shortest effective duration that still ensures patient safety. Thinking ahead to transitioning to more care outpatient, they are piloting remote monitoring for high-risk discharged patients to enable early identification and intervention for potential cytokine release syndrome. These innovations were partly born out of pandemic-related acute bed pressures.
Pianko emphasizes trying to risk-stratify patients to determine who may be appropriate for outpatient dosing. Although they likely cannot deliver all bispecific therapies fully outpatient, maximizing safe administration in that setting given capacity limitations is the goal.
Haumschild agrees space limitations are a challengethat institutions face in trying to expand access. He highlights how some institutions like Mayo Clinic rapidly moved to outpatient dosing by leveraging infrastructure for remote monitoring developed during the pandemic. Identifying creative solutions will be key for operationalizing these complex therapies.
Perissinottiadvises institutions to reach out to others with experience delivering bispecific antibodies. Gathering diverse perspectives on what has and has not worked can inform more tailored approaches suited to overcoming local barriers. He and Pianko have fielded many requests to share guidelines and resources that took significant efforts to develop, which can serve as toolkits to help accelerate others’ learning curve. Identifying creative solutions will be key for operationalizing these complex therapies.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by Pharmacy Times® editorial staff.
