Is Daratumumab a chemotherapy drug or a targeted drug?

Daratumumab (Daratumumab) is a targeted drug rather than a traditional chemotherapy drug. Targeted drugs are drugs specifically designed to attack cancer cells or other abnormal cells, rather than having widespread toxic effects on normal cells like traditional chemotherapy drugs.

The main function of daratumumab is to recognize and bind to theCD38 receptor on the surface of abnormally proliferated plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma. CD38 is a protein that is overexpressed in multiple myeloma patients and helps plasma cells survive and proliferate. By binding to the CD38 receptor, daratumumab triggers the immune system to attack and destroy these abnormal plasma cells, thereby alleviating disease and extending survival.

Unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs, targeted drugs such as daratumumab more precisely locate cancer cells or diseased cells and reduce damage to normal cells, thus alleviating many side effects and discomforts. This makes it easier for patients to tolerate treatment while also improving treatment effectiveness.

While daratumumab is primarily used for the treatment of multiple myeloma, it is also being used in the research and treatment of other leukemias and lymphomas, further demonstrating the importance and promise of targeted therapy in cancer treatment. Therefore, daratumumab represents the future of personalized therapy, bringing more promising treatment options to cancer patients.

Daratumumab has been launched in China and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. The price is about more than 5,000. Medical insurance reimbursement must meet the reimbursement conditions. For specific prices and medical insurance policies, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or medical insurance bureau. Currently, there is only the original drug of daratumumab in foreign countries. The cheaper one is the Turkish original drug, which costs around 5,000. The ingredients and efficacy are consistent with the domestic original drug.