Dr. Silvia Vidal, head of the Inflammatory Diseases group at the Sant Pau Research Institute, participated in the “Immunotherapy & Hemopathies 2023” course, where she spoke about the immunological mechanisms at play when treating patients with multiple myeloma using anti-CD38 antibodies.
The researcher explained that anti-CD38 antibodies, such as daratumumab and isatuximab, can bind to the CD38 protein on cancer cells. This interaction triggers a cascade of responses, including the destruction of cancer cells, modulation of the immune system activity, induction of programmed cell death in myeloma cells, and inhibition of CD38 enzymatic functions that reduce the production of the immunosuppressive molecule adenosine. The synergy of these mechanisms, often used in combination with other therapies, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of multiple myeloma, providing a targeted and effective approach.
