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Systemic therapy
Bispecific antibodies
One molecule that holds an immune cell and a tumour cell together.
Referral & opinion only
What it is
A bispecific antibody binds two things at once, typically a marker on the tumour cell and a receptor on a T cell, physically bringing the immune cell to the target.
Because it engages the immune system directly, the first doses carry a recognised risk of cytokine release and neurological effects. Step-up dosing and in-hospital monitoring for the first cycles are standard.
When it is used
- In defined haematological cancers, and an expanding set of solid tumours
- Usually after other lines of treatment
- Frequently within a clinical trial
How the decision is made
- Whether a treating centre with step-up dosing and monitoring capability is accessible to you.
- Whether a registered trial is the more realistic route.
- Honest logistics: the first cycles may require admission, and that has a cost and a travel burden.
At a centre equipped for step-up dosing and cytokine-release monitoring. KPCIRC does not administer these.
Who does what
What we handle, and what happens elsewhere
KPCIRC handles
- Whether referral is appropriate at all
- Case assembly and complete record preparation before referral
- Complex & Rare Case Board review
- Trial and expanded-access search
- Cost and scheme mapping before you commit to travel
- Follow-up and survivorship on return
Performed and billed elsewhere
- Step-up dosing admission
- All administration and monitoring
- The medicine
- Fever, confusion, severe headache or a drop in blood pressure in the days after a dose is an emergency. Go to the treating centre, and tell any other hospital you attend that you are on a bispecific antibody.
Questions to ask your own doctor
Take these with you. They work whether or not you are treated here.
- Am I eligible, or is this being raised as a possibility?
- Which centre, and how long would we need to stay?
- Is there a trial that would cover it?
- What are the alternatives?
Support that goes with it
Where this is used
Cancers this commonly forms part of
Not sure this is the right option for you?
That is exactly what a second opinion is for. Bring what you have, we will tell you what is missing and what the alternatives actually are, in writing.