CD38: targeted therapy in multiple myeloma and therapeutic potential for solid cancers

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• CD38 is expressed on hematological malignancy cells and immunosuppressive cells like regulatory T cells.
• CD38 is a validated target in multiple myeloma (MM), with daratumumab (Dara) being a standard therapy.
• Other CD38 antibodies show promise in clinical trials for hematological malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review CD38 expression, function, and targeting in MM.
• To explore CD38's potential in depleting immunosuppressive cells in solid cancers.
• To encourage research into CD38 targeting for solid tumors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PubMed and ClinicalTrials databases up to April 30, 2020.
• Analysis of CD38 expression and function in various cancers.
• Examination of anti-CD38 drug applications and clinical trial data.

Main Results:

• CD38-targeted immunotherapeutics successfully reduce CD38+ immune suppressor cells.
• Daratumumab demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in multiple myeloma.
• Several other CD38 antibodies have shown promising results in clinical studies.

Conclusions:

• CD38-targeted therapies are effective in reducing immunosuppressive cells.
• CD38 targeting offers a potential strategy for treating solid tumors by overcoming immune suppression.