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(teclistamab-cqyv)

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TECVAYLI - Use of Prophylactic Tocilizumab

Last Updated: 07/15/2026

SUMMARY

  • Johnson & Johnson does not recommend any practices, procedures, or usage that deviate from the product labeling or are not approved by the regulatory agencies.
  • MajesTEC-1 is a phase 1/2 multicohort study evaluating the safety and efficacy of TECVAYLI in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The prophylactic tocilizumab cohort is a prospective, phase 1, exploratory cohort of the MajesTEC-1 study evaluating the administration of intravenous (IV) tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) prior to TECVAYLI dosing for the reduction of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in 24 patients with RRMM.1
    • van de Donk et al (2023)2 evaluated the effects of prophylactic tocilizumab for the reduction of CRS in patients treated with TECVAYLI at a median follow-up of 2.6 months. A total of 12.5% of response-evaluable patients had a complete response (CR). Grade 1/2 CRS occurred in 26.1% of patients (n=6). The most frequent adverse events (AEs) of any grade were infections (65.2%, n=15), anemia (56.5%, n=13), and neutropenia (56.5%, n=13).
    • van de Donk et al (2024)3 presented the effects of prophylactic tocilizumab for the reduction of CRS in patients treated with TECVAYLI at a longer median follow-up of8.1 months. The overall response rate (ORR) in response-evaluable patients was 72.7%. Grade 1/2 CRS occurred in 25% of patients (n=6). The most frequent AEs of any grade were infections (79.2%, n=19), neutropenia (62.5%, n=15), and anemia (58.3%, n=14).
  • Korst et al (2024)4 published an evaluation of the efficacy of prophylactic tocilizumab prior to the first step-up dose of TECVAYLI to prevent CRS in 29 patients with RRMM from a single center. The study included 20 patients who received TECVAYLI as part of a compassionate use program (CUP) and 9 consecutive patients who received TECVAYLI in the MajesTEC-1 trial. At a median follow-up of 8.7 months, ORR was 82.8%. Grade 1/2 CRS was reported in 10.3% of patients (n=3).
  • Torpe et al (2026)5,6 presented results from the retrospective, observational, multicenter Danish ABCD study evaluating the use, safety and efficacy of TECVAYLI with or without prophylactic tocilizumab in patients with RRMM in the real world. At a median follow-up of 13 months, ORR was 53.8% in the NoToci (without prophylactic tocilizumab) group and at a median follow-up of 9 months, ORR was 67.9% in the PToci (with prophylactic tocilizumab) group. CRS was reported in 69.2% of patients (n=36) in the NoToci group and in 7.5% of patients (n=4) in the PToci group (P<0.001).
  • Rodriguez et al (2026)7 presented a retrospective, observational, single-center study in patients with RRMM treated with TECVAYLI or TALVEY at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to evaluate the safety and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) associated with step-up dosing (SUD) in real-world clinical practice. CRS within 14 days post-index was reported in 75% of TECVAYLI-treated patients (n=3) and 100% of TALVEY-treated patients (n=17) in the hybrid (HY) setting (HY: with SUD-1 in the inpatient [IP] setting and the remaining step-up doses in the outpatient [OP] setting, and treatment with tocilizumab for CRS). None of the patients experienced CRS in OP-toci setting (fully OP: SUD with prophylactic tocilizumab).
  • Kowalski et al (2023)8 presented results from a prospective, single-center, real-world study evaluating single-dose prophylactic tocilizumab before beginning TECVAYLI SUD in patients with RRMM. At a median follow-up of 109 days, ORR was 50%. CRS of grade 1 was reported in 13% of patients, and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) was reported in 10% of patients.
  • Scott et al (2023)9 published an evaluation of the prophylactic use of tocilizumab to prevent CRS in patients administered TECVAYLI in a single center. At a median follow-up of 113 days, ORR in the prophylactic tocilizumab cohort was 70% in patients with assessable responses. All grade CRS was reported in 26.3% of patients in the prophylactic tocilizumab cohort with concurrent ICANS reported in 5.3% of these patients.
  • Zhou et al (2023)10 employed a mechanism-based pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic model to evaluate tocilizumab PK parameters and soluble interleukin-6R (sIL-6R) target engagement of prophylactic tocilizumab treatment on sIL-6R levels, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, and the duration of IL-6 signaling pathway blockade in patients undergoing TECVAYLI treatment.

PRODUCT LABELING

CLINICAL DATA - majestec-1 study - prophylactic tocilizumab COHORT

MajesTEC-1 (NCT04557098) is evaluating the safety and efficacy of TECVAYLI in patients with RRMM after ≥3 prior lines of therapy (LOTs), including triple-class exposure to a proteasome inhibitor (PI), an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb).1-3,11,12

  • The prophylactic tocilizumab cohort is a prospective, phase 1, exploratory cohort of the MajesTEC-1 study evaluating the administration of IV tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) prior to TECVAYLI dosing for the reduction of CRS in 24 patients with RRMM.2,3

Study Design/Methods

  • The main objectives are as follows: part 1 (dose escalation) to determine the RP2D for TECVAYLI; part 2 (dose expansion) to distinguish safety and tolerability at the RP2D; and part 3 (phase 2 component) to evaluate the efficacy of TECVAYLI at the RP2D.1,13
  • Key eligibility criteria: documented RRMM per International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria; ≥3 prior LOTs, including a PI, an immunomodulatory drug, and an anti-CD38 mAb; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1.1
  • Endpoint for prophylactic tocilizumab cohort: incidence of CRS.2
  • Prophylactic tocilizumab cohort dosing:
    • Tocilizumab: single-dose 8 mg/kg IV ≤4 hours before TECVAYLI step-up dose 1.2,3
    • TECVAYLI: step-up doses (0.06 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous [SC]) followed by first treatment dose and subsequent treatment doses of TECVAYLI (1.5 mg/kg) SC once weekly (QW). The step-up doses were administered 2-4 days apart and completed 2-4 days prior to the first full treatment dose of TECVAYLI. Cycles 3-6: TECVAYLI 3 mg/kg SC once every other week (Q2W); cycles 7+: TECVAYLI 3 mg/kg SC monthly (Q4W).2,3
    • Premedications: dexamethasone, acetaminophen, and diphenhydramine were required to be administered for each step-up dose, and first full treatment dose of TECVAYLI.2,3
  • Patients were required to be hospitalized for at least 48 hours from the start of injection for each step-up dose and the first full treatment dose of TECVAYLI.2
  • CRS as an AE was graded as per the criteria by Lee et al.3
    • CRS management with tocilizumab treatment was permitted for grade 1 CRS and was recommended for grade ≥2 CRS.3

van de Donk et al (2023)2 evaluated the effects of prophylactic tocilizumab for the reduction of CRS in patients treated with TECVAYLI in the MajesTEC-1 study at a median follow-up of 2.6 months (range, 0.1-7.0).

Results

Treatment Disposition

  • At a median follow-up of 2.6 months (range, 0.1-7.0), 23 patients received prophylactic tocilizumab prior to the first TECVAYLI step-up dose.
  • The median prior LOTs was 4 (range, 2-9).

Efficacy

  • Out of the 23 patients in this cohort, 16 were evaluable for response. Among these patients, 12.5% experienced a CR, 37.5% had a very good partial response (VGPR), and 18.8% had a partial response (PR, which includes both confirmed and unconfirmed responses).

Safety

  • Dose-limiting toxicities were reported in 3 patients (grade 4 increased lipase, n=1; grade 4 thrombocytopenia, n=2). All dose-limiting toxicities were transient.2
  • One death occurred due to an AE (pulmonary embolism).
Cytokine Release Syndrome
Neurotoxicity
  • A total of 4 patients experienced neurotoxic AEs (grade 1, n=2; grade 2, n=2). Of these patients, 1 experienced grade 2 ICANS with concurrent grade 2 CRS.
Infections

MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): CRS Incidence and Severity2,14
CRS Grade, n (%)
Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohorta,2
(N=23)

MajesTEC-1 Population14
(N=165)

Overall
6 (26.1)
119 (72.1)
   Grade 1
2 (8.7)
83 (50.3)
   Grade 2
4 (17.4)
35 (21.2)
   Grade 3
0
1 (0.6)
Abbreviation: CRS, cytokine release syndrome.
aAs of April 28, 2023.


MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): CRS Incidence and Baseline Characteristics2
Patient Number
CRS Grade
Dose Before CRS
BMPCs
ISS Stagea
EMPs
1
1
Step-up dose 1
30%b
I
0
2
1
Step-up dose 1
8%c
II
0
3
2
Step-up dose 1
80%b
II
0
4
2
1

Step-up dose 1
Step-up dose 2

60%b
I
0
5
1
2

Step-up dose 2
cycle 1 day 1

65%b
I
0
6
2
1

Step-up dose 2
cycle 2 day 8

30%c
II
2
7-23
No CRS
-
0%-80%b,c
I-III
0-4
Abbreviations: BMPC, bone marrow plasma cell; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; EMP, extramedullary plasmacytoma; ISS, International Staging System.
aDerived based on the combination of serum β2-microglobulin and albumin.
bBiopsy.
cAspirate.


MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): CRS by Grade and Baseline Characteristics2
No CRS
(n=17)

CRS Grade 1
(n=2)

CRS Grade 2
(n=4)

BMPCs
0%-80%a,b
8%-30%a,b
30%-80%a,b
ISS stagec
I-III
I-II
I-II
Extramedullary plasmacytomas
0-4
0
0-2
Abbreviations: BMPC, bone marrow plasma cell; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; ISS, International Staging System.
aBiopsy.
bAspirate.
cDerived based on the combination of serum β2-microglobulin and albumin.


MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): Observed AEs (Grade 3/4 ≥10%)2
AE, n (%)
All Patients
(N=23)

Any Grade
Grade 3/4
Infections
15 (65.2)
3 (13.0)a
Anemia
13 (56.5)
6 (26.1)
Neutropenia
13 (56.5)
12 (52.2)
Thrombocytopenia
10 (43.5)
6 (26.1)
Lymphopenia
8 (34.8)
8 (34.8)
Leukopenia
5 (21.7)
5 (21.7)
Increased lipase
4 (17.4)
3 (13.0)
Abbreviation: AE, adverse event.
aGrade 3/4 infections were pneumonia (n=2), bacterial infection (n=1), and septic shock (n=1).

van de Donk et al (2024)3 presented longer follow-up data on the effects of prophylactic tocilizumab for the reduction of CRS in patients treated with TECVAYLI in the MajesTEC-1 study at a median follow-up of 8.1 months (range, 0.9-13.2).

Results

Treatment Disposition

  • At a median follow-up of 8.1 months (range, 0.9-13.2), 24 patients received prophylactic tocilizumab prior to TECVAYLI (median age, 72 years [range, 50-82]).
  • A total of 58.3% of patients (n=14) were triple-class refractory to immunomodulatory drugs, PIs, and an anti-CD38 mAb.
  • The median prior LOTs was 4 (range, 2-9).

Efficacy


MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): Efficacy Outcomes3
Responsea
Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort
(N=22)

ORR, %
72.7
   sCR
9.1
   CR
9.1
   VGPR
40.9
   PR
13.6
≥CR
18.2b
≥VGPR
59.1
Abbreviations: CR, complete response; ORR, overall response rate; PR, partial response; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response.
aResponse evaluable patients received ≥1 study treatment and had ≥1 post-baseline response evaluation by the investigator.
bLower ≥CR rate may be due to limited availability of bone marrow samples to confirm CR and duration of follow-up.

Safety

  • No new safety signals were identified with longer follow-up. A summary of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) observed in the prophylactic tocilizumab cohort is presented in Table: MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): TEAEs.
  • One grade 5 AE (pulmonary embolism) event occurred 20 days after the last TECVAYLI dose (previously reported at a 2.6-month follow-up).2,3
Cytokine Release Syndrome
  • Among the 24 patients who received prophylactic tocilizumab, 25% experienced CRS. See Table: MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): CRS Incidence and Severity for additional details.
    • All initial CRS events occurred during TECVAYLI SUD 1 and 2. The median time to CRS onset was 2 days (range, 1-3). The median duration of CRS was 2 days (range, 2-4).
    • A total of 3 patients each had 1 recurrent CRS event.
    • All CRS events resolved.
    • There was no observed association between CRS and any specific patient disease or patient characteristic. See Table: MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): CRS by Grade and Baseline Characteristics for additional details.
  • The magnitude of IL-6 induction was higher with prophylactic tocilizumab. Based on modeling data, a single tocilizumab dose inhibits IL-6 signaling for approximately 10 days and the duration of IL-6 blockage spans the TECVAYLI dosing schedule.
Neurotoxicity
  • Overall, 10 events related to neurotoxicity (defined as a neurological AE considered related by the investigator) were reported in 5 patients. The events included headache, ICANS, myoclonus, dizziness and insomnia. All events were grade 1-2 and all events resolved except for grade 2 headache.
Infections
  • In the prophylactic tocilizumab cohort, 79.2% of patients experienced any grade infections and 25% of patients experienced grade 3-4 infections, while in the MajesTEC-1 pivotal trial, at a median follow-up of 7.2 months, 63% of patients had any grade infections and 30.9% of patients had grade 3-4 infections.
    • Infections reported in the prophylactic tocilizumab cohort were pneumonia (n=4), bacterial infection (n=1), diverticulitis (n=1), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (n=1), sepsis (n=1), and septic shock (n=1).

MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): TEAEs3
TEAEa, n(%)
Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort
(N=24)

Any Grade
Grade 3/4
Infections
19 (79.2)
6 (25.0)
Neutropenia
15 (62.5)
15 (62.5)
Anemia
14 (58.3)
6 (25.0)
Thrombocytopenia
12 (50.0)
6 (25.0)
Lymphopenia
9 (37.5)
9 (37.5)
Leukopenia
6 (25.0)
5 (20.8)
Increased lipase
6 (25.0)
5 (20.8)
Abbreviations: TEAE, treatment-emergent adverse event.
aTEAEs are listed if occurring at grade 3/4 in ≥20% of patients.


MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): CRS Incidence and Severity3,14
CRS Grade, n (%)
Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohorta,3
(N=24)

MajesTEC-1 Populationb,14
(N=165)

Overall
6 (25)
119 (72.1)
   Grade 1
2 (8.3)
83 (50.3)
   Grade 2
4 (16.7)
35 (21.2)
   Grade 3
0
1 (0.6)
Abbreviation: CRS, cytokine release syndrome.
aAs of November 1, 2023.
bMedian follow-up of 14.1 months.


MajesTEC-1 (Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort): CRS by Grade and Baseline Characteristics3
Characteristic
Prophylactic Tocilizumab Cohort
(N=24)a

No CRS
(n=18)

CRS Grade 1
(n=2)

CRS Grade 2
(n=4)

Median BMPCs, % (range)
8 (0-80)
19 (8-30)
62.5 (30-80)
ISS stageb, %
   I
72.2  
50
50
   II
22.2
50
50
   III
5.6
0
0
Median number of extramedullary plasmacytomas, n (range)
0 (0-4)
0
0 (0-2)
Abbreviations: BMPC, bone marrow plasma cell; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; ISS, International Staging System.
aAs of November 1, 2023.
bDerived based on the combination of serum β2-microglobulin and albumin.

Korst et al (2024)4 published an evaluation of the efficacy of prophylactic tocilizumab prior to the first step-up dose of TECVAYLI to prevent CRS in 29 patients with RRMM from a single center. The study included 20 patients who received TECVAYLI as part of a CUP and 9 consecutive patients who received TECVAYLI in the MajesTEC-1 trial.

Study Design/Methods

  • Prophylactic tocilizumab was given from October 2022 to March 2024 to RRMM patients who received TECVAYLI as part of a CUP (n=20) and also to 9 consecutive patients who received TECVAYLI in the MajesTEC-1 trial.
  • TECVAYLI was administered according to the approved schedule: 2 step-up doses (0.06 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg) followed by a full dose of 1.5 mg/kg every week (48-72 hours between the step-up doses and first full dose).
    • TECVAYLI was administered immediately after dialysis sessions in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
  • Prophylactic tocilizumab (8 mg/kg IV, maximum dose of 800 mg) was administered 1 hour prior to the first TECVAYLI step-up dose.
  • Premedications: dexamethasone 16 mg, clemastine 2 mg, and acetaminophen 1000 mg were administered 1 hour prior to both the step-up doses and first full dose of TECVAYLI.
  • Valacyclovir for herpes zoster and co-trimoxazole or pentamidine (in case of co-trimoxazole allergy) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia were administered as prophylaxis to all the patients.
  • Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was considered for grade ≥3 neutropenia, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) replacement was given for polyclonal IgG <4 g/L (primary or secondary prophylaxis at the physician's discretion).
    • At the current follow-up, 26 patients (89.7%) received IgG replacement.
  • No other antibacterial or antifungal prophylaxis was administered.
  • CRS and ICANS were graded according to the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) criteria.

Results

Baseline Characteristics and Treatment Disposition


Baseline Characteristics of Patients Treated With TECVALYI With Prophylactic Tocilizumab4
Characteristics
N=29
Median age (IQR)
62 (57-69)
Sex, n (%)
   Female
13 (45)
   Male
16 (55)
Extramedullary plasmacytomas, n (%)
   No
21 (72)
   Yes
8 (28)
Cytogenetic risk profile, n (%)
   High riska
10 (34)
   High risk (extended)b
22 (76)
   Standard riska
19 (66)
   Standard risk (extended)b
7 (24)
Laboratory values at baseline, median (IQR)
   Absolute neutrophil count (×109/L)
2.67 (1.75-3.08)
   Hemoglobin level (mmol/L)
6.7 (6.10-7.50)
   Platelet count (×109/L)
168 (107-209)
   eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2)
80 (66-90)
Prior lines of treatment, median (range)
4 (2-10)
   Autologous SCT, n (%)
24 (83)
   Allogeneic SCT, n (%)
2 (6.9)
Abbreviations: eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; IQR, interquartile range; SCT, stem cell transplantation.
aBased on the presence of del(17p), t(4;14), and/or t(14;16).
bBased on the presence of del(17p), t(4;14) t(14;16), gain(1q), and/or del(1p).


Prior Treatments in Patients Treated With TECVALYI With Prophylactic Tocilizumab4
Exposed
Refractorya
Prior immunomodulatory drug/CELMod, n (%)
   Lenalidomide
29 (100)
29 (100)
   Pomalidomide
22 (76)
22 (76)
   Iberdomide
5 (17)
5 (17)
Prior PI, n (%)
   Bortezomib
29 (100)
21 (72)
   Carfilzomib
16 (55)
10 (34)
   Ixazomib
0
0
Prior CD38 monoclonal antibody, n (%)
   Daratumumab, isatuximab
29 (100)
28 (97)
   Elotuzumab
5 (17)
5 (17)
Prior bispecific antibody, n (%)
   TALVEY
1 (3.4)
1 (3.4)
Abbreviations: CELMod, Cereblon E3 ligase modulatory drugs; MM, multiple myeloma; PI, proteasome inhibitor.
aRefractory disease was defined as progressive disease during therapy, no response (less than partial response), or progressive disease within 60 days of stopping treatment, according to the International Uniform Response Criteria for MM.

Efficacy

  • At a median follow-up of 8.7 months, ORR was 82.8% with ≥VGPR reported in 75.9% of patients.
  • The median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached. The 12-month PFS rate was 63.5% and the 12-month overall survival (OS) rate was 72.2%.
  • All 3 patients with renal impairment responded, including the patient who received hemodialysis (VGPR).

Safety

  • Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia was reported in 13.8% of patients, and grade ≥3 anemia in 6.9% of patients. The frequency of grade ≥3 neutropenia was 72.4%. The median time to onset of grade ≥3 neutropenia was 19 days, with a median duration of 7 days. G-CSF support was used in 62.1% of patients.
Cytokine Release Syndrome
  • CRS occurred in 10.3% of patients (n=3; grade 1 CRS after step-up dose 1, n=1; grade 2 CRS after step-up dose 1, n=1; grade 1 CRS after step-up dose 2 and grade 2 CRS after the first full dose, n=1).
  • CRS in all 3 patients was treated with additional tocilizumab administration and with dexamethasone (10 mg IV) in the patient with recurrent CRS. IV fluids were administered to both patients with grade 2 CRS due to hypotension.
  • The median duration of CRS was 1 day (range, 1-3), and all CRS events were completely resolved.
  • Both patients who developed grade 2 CRS despite prophylactic tocilizumab had high tumor burden (70%-80% myeloma cells in bone marrow biopsy) and rapidly progressive disease (light-chain doubling time of approximately 4 weeks prior to TECVAYLI initiation).
    • The patient with grade 1 CRS had 30% myeloma cells in bone marrow biopsy and light-chain level increased by 25% in the 4 weeks prior to the first TECVAYLI dose
  • In 1 of the 3 patients who developed CRS (patient with recurrent CRS), peripheral blood smears revealed circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In patients who did not develop CRS, CTCs were not detected in the blood smears.
Neurotoxicity
  • ICANS was not observed in any patient.
Infections
  • Grade ≥3 infections were reported in 27.6% of patients.

SUD

  • A total of 25 patients received TECVAYLI SUD in the IP setting.
  • The median duration of hospitalization for SUD was 8 days (interquartile range; IQR, 6-9 days), with only 1 patient staying 2 days longer than expected because of grade 2 CRS after the first full dose.
  • Four patients received TECVAYLI SUD in the OP setting with tocilizumab prophylaxis without the development of CRS or the need for hospitalization.
    • These patients lived relatively close to the hospital (<60 min travel time) and were in the company of a competent adult.

CLINICAL DATA - REAL-WORLD STUDIES

Danish ABCD Study: Real-World, Retrospective Study on Safety and Efficacy of TECVAYLI With or Without Prophylactic Tocilizumab

Torpe et al (2026)5,6 published results from the retrospective, observational, academic Danish ABCD study evaluating the use, safety and efficacy of TECVAYLI with or without prophylactic tocilizumab in patients with RRMM in the real world.

Study Design/Methods

  • Eligible patients included those who received TECVAYLI as standard-of-care therapy for RRMM between February 2024 and November 1, 2025.
  • Prophylactic tocilizumab was administered as a single intravenous infusion of 8 mg/kg (maximum dose, 800 mg) immediately prior to the first TECVAYLI SUD.
  • Patients were categorized into the following two groups:
    • PToci group: patients who received prophylactic tocilizumab before the first TECVAYLI SUD.
    • NoToci group: patients who did not receive prophylactic tocilizumab before the first TECVAYLI SUD.
  • Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) status was categorized as follows:
    • Prior IgRT: IgRT initiated before the start of TECVAYLI treatment.
    • Primary IgRT prophylaxis: IgRT initiated after TECVAYLI initiation but before the occurrence of any documented grade ≥3 infection.
    • Secondary IgRT prophylaxis: IgRT initiated after TECVAYLI initiation and following a documented grade ≥3 infection.
  • TEAEs occurring during TECVAYLI therapy were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0.
  • CRS and ICANS were graded using ASTCT guidelines and consensus criteria.

Results

Baseline Characteristics and Treatment Disposition

  • A total of 53 patients were included in the PToci group, and 52 patients were included in the NoToci group. See Table: Baseline Characteristics.
  • The median follow-up duration was 9 months (IQR, 5-13) for the PToci group and 13 months (IQR, 8-18) for the NoToci group.

Baseline Characteristics5
Characteristic
NoToci
(n=52)

PToci
(n=53)

Median age at T0, years (IQR)
71 (66-76)
72 (64-78)
Media age at diagnosis, years (IQR)
65 (56-70)
63 (58-70)
Median time since diagnosis to T0, years (IQR)
6 (3-9)
6 (3-9)
Male sex, n (%)
26 (50)
30 (56.6)
Performance status 0-1, n (%)
48 (94.1)
52 (98.1)
Extramedullary disease at T0, n (%)
17 (32.7)
13 (24.5)
FISH performedb, n (%)
46 (88.5)
47 (88.7)
FISH high riskc, n (%)
16 (30.8)
22 (41.5)
   del(17p)
12 (23.1)
10 (18.9)
   t(4;14)
5 (9.6)
10 (18.9)
   t(14;16)
3 (5.8)
3 (5.7)
Measurable disease at T0d, n (%)
40 (76.9)
41 (77.4)
Prior lines of therapy, median (IQR)
4 (3-6)
4 (3-5)
Previous HDT-ASCT, n (%)
39 (75)
36 (67.9)
Triple-class exposede, n (%)
51 (98.1)
52 (98.1)
Triple-class refractoryᶠ, n (%)
42 (80.8)
38 (71.7)
Refractory to immunomodulatory drug, n (%)
47 (90.4)
51 (96.2)
Refractory to PI, n (%)
45 (86.5)
41 (77.4)
Refractory to anti-CD38 mAb, n (%)
50 (96.2)
50 (94.3)
Refractory to GPRC5D BsAbs, n (%)
6 (11.5)
3 (5.7)
Exposed to BCMA therapyᵍ, n (%)
0
1 (1.9)
Exposed to CAR-T, n (%)
0
0
Abbreviations: BCMA, B-cell maturation antigen; BsAb, bispecific antibody; CAR-T, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy; FISH, fluorescence in situ hybridization; GPRC5D, G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member D; HDT-ASCT, high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation; IQR, interquartile range; mAb, monoclonal antibody; PI, proteasome inhibitor; T0, date of TECVAYLI initiation.aAt least 1 soft-tissue lesion not contiguous with the bone.bIn patients with multiple FISH assessments, results from the most recent evaluation prior to TECVAYLI initiation were reported.cHigh-risk FISH was defined as the presence of t(4;14), t(14;20), 1p deletion, del(17p), gain/amplification of 1q21, or TP53 mutation.dMeasurable disease was defined as M-protein >10 g/L, urine M-protein >200 mg/24 h, or involved free light chain level >100 mg/L.eTriple-class exposed was defined as prior exposure to an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.fTriple-class refractory was defined as disease progression during treatment or within 60 days after discontinuation of an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 mAb.gNo patients were refractory to BCMA-directed therapy.

Safety

Cytokine Release Syndrome and Neurotoxicity
Infections
  • Any-grade infections were reported in 65% of patients.
    • Grade ≥3 infections were reported in 30% of patients in the PToci group and 34% of patients in the NoToci group.
    • Two grade 5 infection-related events were reported.
  • IgRT was administered to 85% and 86% of patients in the PToci and NoToci groups, respectively.
    • In patients treated with TECVAYLI for ≥60 days, 94% received IgRT.
    • Prior IgRT prophylaxis was reported in 39% of patients, with a median duration of 9.2 months (IQR, 2.6-31.4 months) before TECVAYLI initiation.
    • Primary IgRT prophylaxis was received by 39% of patients, with a median time of 1.2 months (IQR, 0.5-2.4 months) from TECVAYLI initiation to the start of IgRT.
    • Secondary IgRT prophylaxis was administered to 7% of patients, with a median time of 5.1 months (IQR, 3.5-6.8 months) from TECVAYLI initiation to IgRT commencement.
    • IgRT prophylaxis was not administered to 14% of patients.
    • Median grade ≥3 infection-free survival was 10.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-not estimable [NE]) with prior IgRT prophylaxis, 14.7 months (95% CI, 10.8-NE) with primary IgRT prophylaxis, 3.5 months (95% CI, 0.7-NE) without IgRT prophylaxis, and 0.5 months (95% CI, 0.1-NE) with secondary IgRT prophylaxis (P=0.0001).

Summary of CRS and ICANS in Patients Treated With or Without Prophylactic Tocilizumab6
Parameter
NoToci
(n=52)

PToci
(n=53)

All grade CRS
36 (69.2)
4 (7.5)
   Grade 1 CRS, n (%)
21 (40.4)
3 (5.7)
   Grade 2 CRS, n (%)
15 (28.8)
1 (1.9)
   Grade ≥3 CRS, n (%)
0
0
   Two events of CRS, n
9
0
   Three events of CRS, n
3
0
All grade ICANS, n (%)
3 (5.8)
1 (1.9)
   Grade 1 ICANS
3 (5.8)
1 (1.9)
   Grade ≥2 ICANS
0
0
Median duration of CRS, n (IQR)
2 (1-2.5)
1.5 (1-2.5)
Median time from T0 to CRS onset, days (IQR)
3 (1-5)
2 (2-3)
Tocilizumab for CRS treatment, n (%)
28 (53.8)a
1 (1.9)
   Total number of tocilizumab infusions for CRS management, n
34
1
   Number of patients who received ≥ 1 tocilizumab infusion for CRS  
   management, n
5
0
Paracetamol for CRS management, n (%)
26 (49)
2 (3.8)
Nasal oxygen for CRS management, n (%)
5 (9.4)
0
IV fluids for CRS management, n (%)
9 (16.9)
1 (1.8)
Dexamethasone for CRS management, n (%)
4 (7.5)
1 (1.8)
Abbreviations: CRS, cytokine release syndrome; ICANS, immune effector cell-associatedNeurotoxicity; Syndrome; IQR, interquartile range; IV, intravenous; NoToci, no tocilizumab; PToci, prophylactic tocilizumab; T0, time zero.aA total of 11% of patients received >1 dose of tocilizumab.

Efficacy


Efficacy Outcomes in Patients Treated With or Without Prophylactic Tocilizumab15
Parameter
NoToci
(n=52)

PToci
(n=53)

P Value
ORR (≥PR)
28 (53.8)
36 (67.9)
0.16
   ≥VGPR
25 (48.1)
36 (67.9)
-
   PR
3 (5.8)
-
-
Marginal response
1 (1.9)
2 (3.8)
-
Stable disease
6 (11.5)
1 (1.9)
-
Progressive disease
11 (21.2)
5 (9.4)
-
Unmeasurable disease
5 (9.6)
9 (17)
-
Missing
1 (1.9)
-
-
Median DOR, months
NR
NR
0.148
   12-month DOR, %
85
70
-
Median PFS, months
12.1
NR
0.262
   12-month PFS, %
-
63
-
Median OS, months
18.1
NR
0.844
   12-month OS, %
-
69
-
Abbreviations: DOR, duration of response; FLC, free light chain; IMWG, International Myeloma Working Group; NoToci, no tocilizumab; NR, not reached; ORR, overall response rate; OS, overall survival; PFS, progression-free survival; PR, partial response; PToci, prophylactic tocilizumab; sCR, stringent complete response; VGPR, very good partial response.
Note: Response was assessed using IMWG criteria. As bone marrow biopsies were not routinely performed outside clinical trials in Denmark, responses beyond VGPR could not be consistently evaluated; therefore, all responses of VGPR or better were reported as ≥VGPR. Response categories, excluding sCR, were assessed only in patients with measurable disease at baseline, defined according to IMWG criteria as serum M-protein ≥10 g/L, urine M-protein ≥200 mg/24 h, or involved serum FLC ≥100 mg/L. Patients without measurable disease at baseline who did not meet the criteria for stringent complete response were categorized as having “unmeasurable disease” in the best response analysis.

Mount Sinai Experience: Real-world Retrospective Analysis of TECVAYLI or TALVEY OP SUD Safety and HCRU

Rodriguez et al (2026)7 presented a retrospective, observational, single-center study in patients with RRMM treated with TECVAYLI or TALVEY at a large US academic center to evaluate the safety and HCRU associated with SUD in real-world clinical practice.

Study Design/Methods

  • Adult patients ≥18 years old with RRMM who initiated TECVAYLI after October 25, 2022, or TALVEY after August 9, 2023, at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai were included and data were extracted until March 10, 2026.
  • TECVAYLI or TALVEY were implemented in HY and OP-toci treatment scenarios and results were summarized accordingly.
  • During follow-up, AEs (14-day CRS and ICANS rates) and HCRU outcomes, including 14- and 30-day all-cause hospitalizations or readmissions were reported.
    • CRS and ICANS were defined and graded according to the ASTCT definitions. Infections were not captured due to the limited follow-up time of the study.
  • Patients who received care at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai within the first 14 days following SUD initiation were included in this analysis; 1 patient with grade 2 ICANS was excluded due to early discontinuation of care before completion of this period.
  • Patient eligibility and SUD setting for treatment initiation:
    • Patients who underwent IP SUD were not included in this analysis.
    • HY setting (pre-January 2025; before National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN] guidelines incorporated prophylactic tocilizumab):
      • Patients received the first step-up dose in the IP setting.
      • In the event of CRS, patients were treated with tocilizumab.
      • Following resolution of CRS and if OP eligibility criteria were met, patients were discharged to complete remaining step-up doses in the OP setting.
    • OP-toci setting (post-January 2025; after NCCN guidelines incorporated prophylactic tocilizumab):
      • Patients received SUD entirely in the OP setting.
      • Prophylactic tocilizumab (8 mg/kg) was administered within 10 hours of the first step-up dose.
      • Patients subsequently completed all step-up doses in the OP setting.
  • Patient eligibility for OP SUD: absence of cytopenias requiring transfusion or growth factor; marrow involvement <60% (if available); presence of a caregiver; no significant comorbidities.

Results

Patient and Clinical Characteristics


Treatment Setting Distribution7
TECVAYLI
TALVEY
Total
HY
4
17
21
OP-toci
12
21
33
Abbreviations: HY, hybrid; OP, outpatient; Toci, tocilizumab.

Baseline Characteristics and Treatment History7
Characteristics, n (%)a
HY (n=21)
OP-toci (n=33)
TECVAYLI
(n=4)

TALVEY
(n=17)

TECVAYLI
(n=12)

TALVEY
(n=21)

Age at index, years
   Median
76.5
67
76.5
73
   ≥18 and <65
0
6 (35.3)
1 (8.3)
7 (33.3)
   ≥65 and <75
0
7 (41.2)
5 (41.7)
10 (47.6)
   ≥75
4 (100)
4 (23.5)
6 (50)
4 (19)
Sex
   Female
2 (50)
4 (23.5)
4 (33.3)
4 (19)
   Male
2 (50)
13 (76.5)
8 (66.7)
17 (81)
Race
   White
1 (25)
8 (47.1)
8 (66.7)
9 (42.9)
   Black/African American
1 (25)
3 (17.6)
1 (8.3)
3 (14.3)
   Asian
0
2 (11.8)
1 (8.3)
2 (9.5)
   Other/unknown
2 (50)
4 (23.5)
2 (16.7)
7 (33.3)
Ethnicity
   Hispanic/Latino
1 (25)
3 (17.6)
2 (16.7)
6 (28.6)
ECOG PS
   0-1
3 (75)
16 (94.1)
9 (75)
20 (95.2)
   ≥2
1 (25)
1 (5.9)
3 (25)
1 (4.8)
Median prior lines of therapy, IQR
4.5 (3.5-5.5)
5.5 (4.5-8)
5.5 (4-7)
4 (4-6)
High-risk cytogeneticsb
1 (25)
4 (23.5)
3 (25)
4 (19)
Triple-class refractoryc
4 (100)
17 (100)
11 (91.7)
21 (100)
Penta exposedd
3 (75)
14 (82.4)
8 (66.7)
16 (76.2)
EMDe
0
4 (23.5)
2 (16.7)
9 (42.9)
Prior exposure to BCMA-directed therapy,f %
0
29.4
16.7
33.3
Abbreviations: BCMA, B-cell maturation antigen; ECOG PS, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status; EMD, extramedullary disease; HY, hybrid; IQR, interquartile range; OP, outpatient; Toci, tocilizumab.
aUnless otherwise stated.
bHigh risk cytogenetics defined as (t(4; 14); t (14; 16); del17p).
cTriple-class refractory defined as disease refractory to at least 1 each of an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody.
dPenta exposed defined as received treatment with at least 2 immunomodulatory agents [lenalidomide and pomalidomide]; 2 different proteasome inhibitors [eg, bortezomib, ixazomib and/or carfilzomib]; and 1 of the CD38 monoclonal antibodies [eg, daratumumab or isatuximab]).
eEMD is defined as isolated extraosseous plasmacytomas not associated with bone lesions. EMD is diagnosed with imaging study prior to starting bispecific.
fBCMA-directed therapies included belantamab mafodotin, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T), and bispecifics received in a clinical trial.

Completion of SUD

  • HY cohort: All patients completed SUD, except for 1 TECVAYLI-treated patient who discontinued following disease progression and subsequent death.
  • OP-toci cohort: All patients completed SUD.

Safety

  • For a safety summary, see Table: AEs During SUD.
  • In HY cohort, 14.3% of patients received steroids and 81% of patients received tocilizumab for the treatment of CRS. All events were resolved.
  • All ICANS events resolved with 10 mg pocket dexamethasone.

AEs During SUD7
AEs, n (%)
HY (n=21)
OP-toci (n=33)
TECVAYLI
(n=4)a

TALVEY
(n=17)

TECVAYLI
(n=12)

TALVEY
(n=21)

CRS within 14 days post-index
3 (75)b
17 (100)b
0
0
Highest grade CRS
   Grade 1
3 (75)b
17 (100)b
0
0
Recurrent CRS (≥2 events)
1 (25; grade 1)
0
0
0
Discontinuation of TECVAYLI or TALVEY due to CRS
0
0
0
0
ICANS within 14 days post-index
2 (50)
0
2 (17)
1 (5)
Highest grade of ICANS
   Grade 1
2 (50)
0
2 (17)
1 (5)
Recurrent ICANS (≥2 events)
1 (25; grade 1)
0
0
0
Discontinuation of TECVAYLI or TALVEY due to ICANS
0
0
0
0
Concurrent CRS and ICANS
1 (25)
0
0
0
Abbreviations: AE, adverse event; CRS, cytokine release syndrome; ICANS, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome; HY, hybrid; OP, outpatient; SUD, step-up dosing; Toci, tocilizumab.
aOne patient had elevated C-reactive protein, with no CRS, but was treated with toci and completed the remaining SUD in the OP setting.
bPer HY protocol, patients were hospitalized for first SUD, had CRS, and were treated with tocilizumab.

HCRU During SUD


HCRU in Treated Patients7
HCRU, n (%)
HY (n=21)
OP-toci (n=33)
TECVAYLI
(n=4)

TALVEY
(n=17)

TECVAYLI
(n=12)

TALVEY
(n=21)

Days 1-14 IP admissions
   Administration related
4 (100)a
17 (100)a
0
0
   All-cause
0
0
0
2 (10)b
Days 15-30 IP admissions
   Infection
1 (25)
0
0
0
Abbreviations: HY, hybrid; IP, inpatient; OP, outpatient; Toci, tocilizumab.
aBy definition of the HY cohort, these patients were admitted IP to initiate step-up dosing.
bDysgeusia-related failure to thrive, and renal failure.

Literature Search

A literature search of MEDLINE®, Embase®, BIOSIS Previews®, and Derwent Drug File databases (and/or other resources, including internal/external databases) was conducted on 08 July 2026.

 

References

1 Moreau P, Garfall AL, van de Donk NWCJ, et al. Teclistamab in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(6):495-505.  
2 van de Donk NWCJ, Garfall AL, Benboubker L, et al. Evaluation of prophylactic tocilizumab for the reduction of cytokine release syndrome to inform the management of patients treated with teclistamab in MajesTEC-1. Poster presented at: 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; June 2-6, 2023; Chicago, IL. Virtual.  
3 van de Donk NWCJ, Garfall AL, Benboubker L, et al. Longer-term follow-up of patients receiving prophylactic tocilizumab for the reduction of cytokine release syndrome in the phase 1/2 MajesTEC-1 study of teclistamab in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Oral Presentation presented at: The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting; May 31-June 4, 2024; Chicago, IL.  
4 Korst CLBM, Groen K, Bosman PWC, et al. Prophylactic tocilizumab reduces the incidence of cytokine release syndrome in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients treated with teclistamab: Implications for outpatient step‐up dosing. HemaSphere. 2024;8(7):e132.  
5 Torpe AH, Thorsen J, Mathiasen G, et al. Mitigating teclistamab toxicity: prophylactic tocilizumab and timing of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in a nationwide cohort. [published online ahead of print on May 26, 2026]. 2026. doi:10.1002/ajh.70383.  
6 Torpe AH, Thorsen J, Mathiasen G, et al. Supplement to: Mitigating teclistamab toxicity: Prophylactic tocilizumab and timing of immunoglobulin replacement therapy in a nationwide cohort. [published online ahead of print on May 26, 2026]. 2026. doi:10.1002/ajh.70383.  
7 Rodriguez C, Rattu M, Lieberman-Cribbin A, et al. Outpatient step-up dosing of teclistamab or talquetamabwith prophylactic tocilizumab in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: real-world evidence from a large US cancer center. Poster presented at: the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting; June 11-14, 2026; Stockholm, Sweden.  
8 Kowalski A, Lykon JL, Diamond B, et al. Tocilizumab prophylaxis for patients treated with teclistamab: a single-center experience. Poster presented at: 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA.  
9 Scott SA, Marin EM, Maples KT, et al. Prophylactic tocilizumab to prevent cytokine release syndrome (CRS) with teclistamab: A single-center experience. Blood Cancer J. 2023;13(1):191.  
10 Zhou J, Vishwamitra D, Guo Y, et al. Model-based exploration of the impact of prophylactic tocilizumab on IL-6 dynamics in multiple myeloma patients receiving teclistamab treatment. Poster presented at: 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA.  
11 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A phase 1, first-in-human, open-label, dose escalation study of teclistamab, a humanized BCMA x CD3 bispecific antibody in subjects with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000- [cited 2026 July 8]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03145181 NLM Identifier: NCT03145181.  
12 Janssen Research & Development, LLC. A phase 1/2, first-in-human, open-label, dose escalation study of teclistamab, a humanized BCMA x CD3 bispecific antibody, in subjects with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In: ClinicalTrials.gov [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000- [cited 2026 July 8]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04557098 NLM Identifier: NCT04557098.  
13 Moreau P, Garfall AL, van de Donk NWCJ, et al. Protocol to: Teclistamab in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(6):495-505.  
14 Martin TG, Mateos MV, Nooka A, et al. Supplement to: Detailed overview of incidence and management of cytokine release syndrome observed with teclistamab in the MajesTEC‐1 study of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Cancer. 2023;129(13):2035-2046.  
15 Torpe AH, Thorsen J, Iversen KF, et al. Real world use, safety and efficacy of teclistamab with or without prophylactic tocilizumab in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma; results from the Danish ABCD study. Oral Presentation presented at: the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting; December 6-9, 2025; Orlando, FL.  

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