View source for Bispecific T-cell engager

== Background ==
* Recombinant proteins that bind to two different antigens, one of which activates T cells and the other binds a cancer target
* Used in treating some hematologic malignancies

== Safety ==

=== Adverse Effects ===
* Some of the most serious adverse effects include [[cytokine release syndrome]] and [[immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome]]
** Usually within days of first dose
* Causes [[hypogammaglobulinemia]] that can last months to years
* Most patients develop some [[neutropenia]], which can last weeks
* Infections are common, mostly bacterial and viral and occasionally fungal
** Bacterial pneumonia is most common
** COVID-19, with prolonged course
** EBV and CMV, cases of JCV

=== Screening ===

* Consider baseline HIV, EBV, CMV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C serologies

=== Antimicrobial Prophylaxis ===

* Unclear role for antibiotics and antifungals, in general
* Likely [[PJP]] and [[VZV]] prophylaxis for duration of treatment

[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Biologics]]