CNTO 328

In late 2005 I was enrolled in a phase I trial of CNTO 328 (Centocor).  It's a monoclonal antibody against IL-6, which is a growth factor for MM.

The drug caused few noticeable side effects for me.  However, one of the values monitored was cholesterol and triglycerides.  After a few treatments, my triglycerides went up to 1300 mg/dL and I had to start taking a drug to lower that value.  I had an ultrasound of my liver, and it was reported to be enlarged.

After the first round of treatments was over, I withdrew from the trial.  My IgA had gone up from the pre-trial number and then was what the doctor considered stable at about 2500 mg/dL after that.  My bone marrow biopsies before and after the trial showed about 20% plasma cells.  At diagnosis in January 2003, it was 60%.  Along the way my treatments have done their job.