Infliximab for Cytokine Release Syndrome in Multiple Myeloma

This trial explores whether infliximab can prevent cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in patients with relapsed or unresponsive multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. CRS can cause severe flu-like symptoms and affect organs like the heart and lungs. Infliximab may help by blocking a protein that triggers inflammation. This trial could suit individuals who have undergone multiple myeloma treatments, including at least four different therapies, and still experience disease return or resistance. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

Research has shown that infliximab, tested to prevent cytokine release syndrome (CRS) during treatment with teclistamab or talquetamab, has been safe in past studies. Infliximab is already approved for other conditions, indicating it has been well-tolerated by people before.

CRS can be serious, causing symptoms like fever, nausea, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. It can sometimes affect the brain, leading to confusion or trouble speaking. Infliximab works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation, which might help reduce these risks.

Unlike the standard treatments for multiple myeloma, which focus on targeting cancer cells directly, infliximab is being explored for its potential to manage cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a serious side effect of some cancer therapies. Infliximab works by specifically blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a key player in the inflammatory process of CRS. Researchers are excited because this approach could help make treatments like talquetamab and teclistamab safer and more tolerable for patients, allowing them to benefit from these promising therapies without severe inflammatory side effects.

Research has shown that infliximab, which participants in this trial may receive as supportive care, can help prevent cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a serious side effect of treatments like teclistamab and talquetamab. These treatments, also part of this trial, are used for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, but can cause CRS in up to 87% of patients. Infliximab blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which is involved in inflammation. By blocking TNF-α, infliximab may reduce inflammation and help prevent CRS symptoms such as fever and low blood pressure. While more research is needed, early evidence suggests that infliximab shows promise in managing CRS in patients receiving these newer cancer treatments.¹²³⁶⁷