Great question! BiTE (bispecific T-cell engager) therapy and traditional chemotherapy both come with side effects, but they differ in type and intensity.
Chemotherapy side effects tend to be wide-ranging because it targets both cancer and healthy cells. Common ones include:
- Fatigue and hair loss
- Nausea, vomiting Show Full Answer
Great question! BiTE (bispecific T-cell engager) therapy and traditional chemotherapy both come with side effects, but they differ in type and intensity.
Chemotherapy side effects tend to be wide-ranging because it targets both cancer and healthy cells. Common ones include:
- Fatigue and hair loss
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Low blood cell counts
- Nerve pain or tingling
- Heart, lung, or kidney problems BiTE therapy side effects are different because it works by directing your immune system to attack myeloma cells. Common side effects include:
- Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) — an immune overreaction ranging from flu-like to severe
- Low blood cell counts and infections
- Fatigue, nausea, headache
- Neurotoxicity (confusion, trouble speaking — rare)
- For talquetamab specifically: nail changes, taste changes, dry mouth
The key difference is that BiTEs carry a notable risk of CRS, which chemotherapy does not. However, BiTEs generally spare you from hair loss and some of the broader chemotherapy effects.
Always discuss with your myeloma specialist which option's side effect profile fits best with your situation.
August 4
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