Preclinical and clinical evaluation of elotuzumab, a SLAMF7-targeted humanized monoclonal antibody in development for multiple myeloma.

Although multiple myeloma has historically been treated with chemotherapy, prolonged survival has only been possible since the introduction of thalidomide, lenalidomide and bortezomib. However, multiple myeloma remains largely incurable, and new treatments are needed to improve long-term outcome. Elotuzumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule Family member 7 (SLAMF7) to activate NK cells, enabling selective killing of myeloma cells with minimal effects on normal tissue. The combination of elotuzumab with antimyeloma therapies that stimulate host immunity may be an attractive treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Here, we review the role of SLAMF7 in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and the preclinical and clinical development of elotuzumab.