Glofitamab
Say it: gloh-FIT-ah-mab · Brand names: Columvi
Glofitamab is an immunotherapy medicine that links your immune cells to lymphoma cells so your body can attack the cancer.
What it is
It is a special antibody with two arms. One arm grabs a protein called CD20 on lymphoma cells, and the other arm grabs a protein called CD3 on your T cells (a type of immune cell). This brings your immune cells right next to the cancer so they can attack it. Treatment has a set end point, so you stop after a planned number of doses.
Often used for
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that has come back after other treatments
- large B-cell lymphoma that started as follicular lymphoma
How you get it
You get glofitamab as an infusion into a vein. One week before the first dose, you get a different antibody called obinutuzumab to lower the risk of a strong reaction. Then the first doses are given as step up doses, and you stay in the hospital for about a day after the first one. After that, most people get it once every 3 weeks for up to about 12 cycles in total. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Fever, often from cytokine release syndrome. Check your temperature and call as your team tells you.
- Muscle or bone pain. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe.
- Rash. Use gentle soap and unscented lotion.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Low blood counts, which raise the risk of infection. Wash your hands often.
- Pain or swelling where the lymphoma is (called tumor flare). Tell your team about it.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Fever, chills, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or trouble breathing (possible signs of cytokine release syndrome, a strong immune reaction)
- Confusion, trouble speaking or writing, shaking, very bad sleepiness, seizures, or feeling not like yourself
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Cough, burning when you pee, or other signs of infection
- New or worse pain or swelling in your lymph nodes, chest, or belly
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have an infection now or get infections often
- If you have had hepatitis B or other long term infections
- If you have ever had a seizure or other nervous system problem
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- This medicine can cause cytokine release syndrome, a strong immune reaction that causes fever, low blood pressure, and trouble breathing. It is most common after the first few doses and can be life threatening, so you will be watched closely.
- This medicine can cause nervous system problems, such as confusion or trouble speaking. Do not drive or use heavy machines until your team says it is safe.
- You will get medicines before each infusion to lower the chance of a reaction.
- Serious infections can happen. Your team may give you medicines to help prevent them.
- Swelling or pain where the lymphoma is can happen early in treatment and may press on nearby organs.
Questions to ask
- How long will I need to stay in the hospital for the first dose?
- How many treatments will I have in total?
- When can I drive again?
- Who do I call after hours if I get a fever?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
- Pain
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Glofitamab?
- Glofitamab is an immunotherapy medicine that links your immune cells to lymphoma cells so your body can attack the cancer. Brand names: Columvi.
- What is Glofitamab used for?
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that has come back after other treatments; large B-cell lymphoma that started as follicular lymphoma.
- How is Glofitamab given?
- You get glofitamab as an infusion into a vein. One week before the first dose, you get a different antibody called obinutuzumab to lower the risk of a strong reaction. Then the first doses are given as step up doses, and you stay in the hospital for about a day after the first one. After that, most people get it once every 3 weeks for up to about 12 cycles in total. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Glofitamab?
- Fever, often from cytokine release syndrome. Muscle or bone pain. Rash. Feeling tired. Low blood counts, which raise the risk of infection. Pain or swelling where the lymphoma is (called tumor flare).
- When should I call my care team while taking Glofitamab?
- Fever, chills, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or trouble breathing (possible signs of cytokine release syndrome, a strong immune reaction); Confusion, trouble speaking or writing, shaking, very bad sleepiness, seizures, or feeling not like yourself; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Cough, burning when you pee, or other signs of infection; New or worse pain or swelling in your lymph nodes, chest, or belly.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.