Authors
Umarov G.M., Fedyk O.V., Shestakov E.A., Melnichenko V.Ya., Mochkin N.E., Zefirova S.A., Kim K.F., Zhiburt E.B.
Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, Moscow
Abstract
Rationale. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody against CD38, which is located on the surface of multiple myeloma (MM) cells. This has made CD38 a target for immunotherapy against MM. CD38 is also present on red blood cells and platelets. Therefore, anti-CD38 antibodies can interfere with routine immunohematological testing and distort their results.
Objective. To identify patterns in immunohematological testing and transfusion therapy in patients receiving daratumumab.
Methods. A retrospective study, using electronic medical records, examined the results of immunohematological testing and transfusion therapy for 75 inpatients at the Pirogov Center receiving daratumumab in 2025.
Results. Based on the results of treatment at the Pirogov Center in 2025, 12.0% of patients receiving daratumumab required red blood cell transfusions, while 29.3% required platelet transfusions. A positive test for irregular anti-erythrocyte antibodies, characterized by weak and fluctuating agglutination, was recorded in 4 of 9 red blood cell recipients. Transfusion of donor red blood cell suspensions containing leukodepleted red blood cells in PAGGSM, compatible with ABO, Rh, and Kell blood group antigens, with visual assessment of hemolysis, ensures adequate transfusion support for patients receiving daratumumab.
Conclusion. Specific aspects of the evaluation and transfusion support of patients receiving daratumumab should be included in the clinical guidelines for “Multiple Myeloma”.
Keywords: daratumumab, antibodies, compatibility, blood transfusion.
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