Tarlatamab (Mechanism of Action)
Tarlatamab is an innovative anticancer drug that was recently approved for treating extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). It represents a significant advancement in cancer therapy as the first bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) approved for a solid tumor.
Mechanism of Action
Tarlatamab works by engaging the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. It achieves this by binding to two different proteins:
- DLL3: A protein commonly found on the surface of small cell lung cancer cells.
- CD3: A protein on T cells, which are part of the immune system.
By binding to both DLL3 and CD3, Tarlatamab brings T cells into close proximity with cancer cells, effectively directing the immune cells to attack and kill the cancer cells.