Daratumumab in addition to cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed systemic amyloid light-chain amyloidosis

Daratumumab in addition to cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (CyBorD) is in clinical development for newly diagnosed systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis in adults. AL amyloidosis belongs to a group of diseases called systemic amyloidosis in which deposits of proteins (called amyloids) accumulate and cause damage in tissues and organs such as the kidneys, liver, gut, heart and nerves. In AL amyloidosis, the deposits are made up of proteins (called immunoglobulin light chains) produced in excess by malfunctioning white blood cells in the bone marrow.
Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody (a type of protein) designed to recognise and attach to a specific structure called 'CD38' which is found in great numbers on the white blood cells that produce immunoglobulin light chains. Once attached, it is expected to activate the immune system to attack and kill the white blood cells. This is expected to reduce the deposits of proteins, and so improve symptoms of the disease. If licensed, daratumumab in addition to CyBorD will offer an additional treatment option for newly diagnosed systemic AL amyloidosis in adults.