Advanced Cancer Treatment Close to Home
At New Jersey Cancer Care, we are committed to bringing the latest advances in cancer treatment to our patients in a safe, convenient outpatient setting. Our experienced physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, and infusion nurses work together to provide comprehensive care using the newest immunotherapy options, including bispecific antibody therapy.
Bispecific antibodies represent one of the most significant advances in cancer treatment in recent years. These innovative therapies help your own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells while allowing many patients to receive treatment without hospitalization.
What Are Bispecific Antibodies?
Bispecific antibodies are a type of immunotherapy designed to recognize two different targets at the same time.
One part of the antibody attaches to a cancer cell, while the other attaches to one of your body’s immune cells (called a T-cell). By bringing these cells together, the treatment helps activate your immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.
Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells, bispecific antibodies work by directing your own immune system to fight cancer.
Which Patients May Benefit?
Bispecific antibody therapy has been approved for several cancers, including:
- Multiple Myeloma
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Follicular Lymphoma
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC)
- Uveal Melanoma
As research continues, additional indications are expected to become available. Your oncology team will determine whether a bispecific antibody is appropriate for your specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
Why Choose New Jersey Cancer Care?
Our outpatient bispecific antibody program allows eligible patients to receive these advanced therapies close to home while being closely monitored by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
Patients benefit from:
- Expert medical oncologists with experience administering bispecific therapies
- Specialized infusion nurses trained in immunotherapy management
- Clinical pharmacists with expertise in supportive care and toxicity management
- Comprehensive patient and caregiver education
- Standardized safety protocols based on national guidelines
- Coordination of insurance authorization and financial counseling
- Ongoing monitoring throughout treatment
What to Expect During Treatment
Many bispecific antibodies require step-up dosing when treatment first begins. This means you receive gradually increasing doses over several visits to help reduce the risk of side effects while your body adjusts to therapy.
Depending on the medication prescribed, treatment may be given by:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion
- Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection
Your care team will monitor you carefully during and after each treatment. Some patients may require extended observation following early doses based on the specific medication and current prescribing guidelines.
Once step-up dosing is completed, treatments generally continue on a regular schedule determined by your physician.
Possible Side Effects
Like all cancer treatments, bispecific antibodies can cause side effects. Most are manageable when recognized early.
Common side effects include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Decreased appetite
Some patients may develop low blood counts, increasing the risk of infection, bleeding, or anemia.
Important Safety Information
Because bispecific antibodies activate the immune system, they can occasionally cause serious side effects that require prompt medical attention.
These include:
Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)
CRS is an inflammatory response that may occur during the first few doses of treatment.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
Neurologic Side Effects (ICANS)
Although less common, some patients may experience neurologic symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Tremors
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Changes in handwriting or coordination
Infection Risk
Some bispecific therapies can temporarily weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Your provider may prescribe preventive medications to help reduce this risk.
Our clinical team follows nationally recognized treatment protocols and monitors patients closely throughout therapy to identify and manage side effects as early as possible.
When Should I Call My Care Team?
Contact New Jersey Cancer Care immediately if you develop:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe weakness
- Any new or worsening symptoms
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bispecific antibody therapy chemotherapy?
No. Bispecific antibodies are a type of immunotherapy that helps your immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Many patients can receive bispecific antibody therapy safely in our outpatient infusion center. Depending on the medication prescribed and your overall health, some patients may require observation or temporary hospitalization during early doses.
How long does treatment last?
Treatment schedules vary depending on the specific medication, your cancer type, and your response to therapy. Your provider will discuss your individualized treatment plan.
Are side effects permanent?
Most side effects are temporary and improve with supportive care. Early reporting of symptoms allows your healthcare team to intervene quickly.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Most FDA-approved bispecific antibody therapies are covered by insurance. Our financial counselors and authorization specialists will work with your insurance provider before treatment begins.
Partnering With You Every Step of the Way
At New Jersey Cancer Care, our goal is to provide the most advanced cancer treatments available while keeping patients close to home and surrounded by their support system.
If you would like to learn more about bispecific antibody therapy or determine whether it is right for you, speak with your oncology provider or contact any of our New Jersey Cancer Care locations to schedule an appointment.