Korjuny (Catumaxomab)

Korjuny (catumaxomab) is employed as a targeted immunotherapy for the treatment of malignant ascites that develop in patients with EpCAM‑positive carcinomas, particularly when conventional drainage methods are insufficient.

• Malignant ascites associated with EpCAM‑positive carcinomas: reduces peritoneal fluid accumulation and improves symptomatic relief.
• Recurrent malignant ascites: offers an additional therapeutic option when standard paracentesis fails.
• Peritoneal metastasis‑associated ascites: contributes to local immune‑mediated tumor control.

• Catumaxomab is a bispecific monoclonal antibody that simultaneously binds EpCAM on tumor cells and CD3 on T‑cells. This dual binding creates a physical link that activates T‑cells at the tumor site, triggering a targeted immune response that leads to tumor cell lysis and reduction of malignant fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Common Side Effects

• Fever: transient elevation of body temperature after infusion.
• Abdominal pain: mild to moderate discomfort in the peritoneal region.
• Nausea or vomiting: gastrointestinal upset following administration.
• Diarrhea: loose stools occurring within days of treatment.
• Chills or rigors: shaking sensations during or after infusion.
• Hypotension: temporary drop in blood pressure during administration.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Cytokine release syndrome: severe systemic inflammatory response requiring immediate medical attention.
• Hepatic toxicity: elevated liver enzymes or liver dysfunction.
• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis or angioedema.
• Sepsis-like syndrome: infection‑like symptoms with high fever and organ involvement.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms observed during infusion.

Precautions should be taken to monitor patient safety and product integrity.

• Monitor for cytokine release syndrome: observe vital signs and laboratory parameters during and after infusion.
• Assess liver function: obtain baseline and periodic hepatic enzyme tests.
• Avoid use in patients with severe immunosuppression: contraindicated in those with profound immune deficits.
• Use with caution in patients with pre‑existing cardiac disease: monitor cardiac status.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Potential drug interactions may affect safety or efficacy.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent use with other immunomodulators: increased risk of uncontrolled immune activation.
• Live vaccines: may cause severe infection due to immune stimulation.
• Cytotoxic chemotherapy administered simultaneously: may enhance toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Corticosteroids: may diminish therapeutic immune response.
• Antihistamines: could mask early signs of infusion reactions.
• Drugs affecting fluid balance: monitor for exacerbated hypotension or edema.