Antibody based immunotherapy for multiple myeloma: it's about time.

Monoclonal antibodies have made an indelible impact on cancer practice. Historically multiple myeloma (MM) has lagged behind in benefitting from this treatment modality. Recent years have seen a tremendous increase in the number of therapeutic antibodies being developed for treatment of MM. Unconjugated anti-CD 38 antibody Daratumumab and the anti-SLAMF7 antibody elotuzumab are in advanced stages of development and are expected to have a major impact in the management of MM. The immunotoxin Indatuximab Ravtansine is in early stages of development and the results appear encouraging. The role of monoclonal antibodies in myeloma will continue to evolve and, like other lymphoid malignancies, they are likely to have the greatest impact when combined with other anti-myeloma agents.