Nursing Considerations for Cytokine Release Syndrome in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Experience with Teclistamab from the MajesTEC-1 Study

Objectives

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory response that is commonly observed as a class effect of T-cell–redirecting therapies. This article provides important practical guidance for nurses relating to the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of CRS in patients receiving teclistamab, based on experience from the MajesTEC-1 clinical trial and real-life nursing practice.

Methods

MajesTEC-1 is a phase 1/2 study of teclistamab in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. To mitigate the risk of high-grade CRS, patients were carefully monitored for early signs and symptoms of CRS (including fever, which must have fully resolved before teclistamab administration).

Results

A survey of nurses from several of the study sites provided additional real-life insights into nursing best practices for managing CRS from four academic institutions in three countries.

Conclusions

In MajesTEC-1, 72% of patients treated with teclistamab experienced CRS, the majority of which was low grade. All cases resolved and none led to treatment discontinuation. Real-life supportive measures for CRS are generally aligned with those outlined in the study.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Because nurses are on the frontline of patient care, they play a crucial role in promptly recognizing the signs and symptoms of CRS and responding with timely and appropriate supportive treatment. This review provides important practical guidance for nurses on diagnosis, monitoring, and management of CRS in patients receiving teclistamab, based on experience from the MajesTEC-1 trial and real-life nursing practice.