SONIC: Specialized Care for Immunotherapy Patients

Bispecific antibodies are a novel and effective approach to cancer care, offering powerful immune-based therapies for hematologic malignancies and expanding to other cancer types. Bispecifics are currently used to treat hematologic malignancies like myeloma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as well as solid tumors like SCLC (small cell lung cancer) and uveal melanoma.

However, their initial administration, known as the ramp-up phase, carries risks, requiring expert monitoring and management.

Moffitt's SONIC (Specialized Oncology Non-Cellular Immunotherapy Comprehensive Care) program bridges this gap by providing specialized care during the first two cycles when side effects and adverse events are most prevalent. Experts at Moffitt collaborate with community oncologists to support the initiation of bispecific antibody treatment, providing dedicated monitoring in both inpatient and outpatient settings to manage early side effects and ensure safer, more effective immunotherapy for high-risk patients.

The SONIC program is managed by the multidisciplinary team of experts from multiple specialities, including Omar Castaneda Puglianini, MD, Sonam Puri, MD, and Sameh Gaballa, MD, who support patients receiving immunotherapy by monitoring and managing those undergoing high-risk T-cell engager treatments, particularly when immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are a concern in the ramp-up phase.

Understanding Bispecific Antibodies

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are uniquely engineered to bind to two different antigens, bringing immune cells closer to tumor cells and enhancing their cancer-fighting abilities. Bispecific T-cell Engagers are a specialized subtype of BsAbs, engineered to connect T-cells to cancer cells and redirect the body’s immune system to precisely attack tumors. These off-the-shelf treatments do not require the patient’s cells for development, leading to quicker treatment.

Bispecific antibodies currently approved by the FDA include:

• Blinatumomab (Blincyto)
• Tarlatamab (Imdelltra)
• Tebentafusp (Kimmtrak)
• Teclistamab (Tecvayli)
• Elranatamab (Elrexfio)
• Talquetamab (Talvey)
• Mosunetuzumab (Lunsumio)
• Epcoritamab (Epkinly)
• Glofitamab (Columvi)

The Role of SONIC in Patient Care

SONIC service monitors and supports patients undergoing high-risk, T-cell engager/bispecific antibody treatments. Through outpatient treatment, triage service and inpatient care, SONIC provides rapid access to care for toxicity treatment from a dedicated and specialized team of experts. Patients will receive specialized care from a multidisciplinary team with expertise in antibody therapies. This includes an infectious disease team to manage potential complications, along with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and pharmacists trained to identify and manage side effects and adverse events associated with bispecific antibody treatments.

Our collaborative approach helps oncologists, like you, support patients' safety through smooth transitions between inpatient or outpatient care and ongoing treatment in community healthcare settings.

Why Moffitt

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt has the infrastructure and centralized processes required for 24/7 patient monitoring and observations and comprehensive support for the ramp-up phase. This allows the SONIC service team to administer care for and manage initial side effects properly.

If you are considering initiating a bispecific antibody treatment regimen for your cancer patients, we encourage you to contact Moffitt to learn more about our SONIC service for the best care and outcomes. 

To refer a patient to Moffitt, complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance. As part of our efforts to shorten referral times as much as possible, online referrals are normally responded to within 24 - 48 hours.