Tagraxofusp for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm

Tagraxofusp is being investigated for the treatment of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). Previously known as natural killer (NK) cell leukaemia/lymphoma, BPDCN
was categorized by the World Health Organization under acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) but now has its own separate designation under myeloid neoplasms. BPDCN is a rare blood
cancer derived from the precursors of cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells.
Tagraxofusp is a fusion protein formed by combining interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) and truncated diphtheria toxin (DT). It causes inactivation of protein synthesis, and death of the target cell.
Treatment for BPDCN has included therapies that are used for AML, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), or lymphoma. If licensed, tagraxofusp will offer the first prospectively
studied treatment option for BPDCN for which there are limited treatment options and a significant unmet medical need.