Tarlatamab
Say it: tar-LAT-ah-mab · Brand names: Imdelltra
Tarlatamab is an immunotherapy medicine that links your immune cells to small cell lung cancer 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 DLL3 on small cell lung cancer 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.
Often used for
- small cell lung cancer that has spread and grown after chemotherapy
How you get it
You get tarlatamab as an infusion into a vein, and each infusion takes about 1 hour. The first 2 doses are given 1 week apart, and you are watched in a hospital or clinic for about a day after each one. After that, most people get it once every 2 weeks. 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.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Changes in taste. Try different foods and seasonings.
- Lower appetite. Small meals and snacks may be easier.
- Muscle or bone pain. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe.
- Constipation. Drink fluids and ask your team about a stool softener.
- Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
- Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you feel weak. Your team will check your blood.
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
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have an infection now
- If you have ever had a seizure or other nervous system problem
- If you have liver problems
- 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, trouble speaking, or seizures. Do not drive or use heavy machines during the early doses and for as long as your team tells you.
- After the first 2 doses, you should stay within about 1 hour of your treatment center for 2 days with a caregiver.
- You will get medicines and fluids before the early doses to lower the chance of a reaction.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts and liver.
Questions to ask
- Where will I stay after my first 2 doses?
- When can I drive again?
- Who should stay with me during the first weeks?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Taste changes
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Pain
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Tarlatamab?
- Tarlatamab is an immunotherapy medicine that links your immune cells to small cell lung cancer cells so your body can attack the cancer. Brand names: Imdelltra.
- What is Tarlatamab used for?
- small cell lung cancer that has spread and grown after chemotherapy.
- How is Tarlatamab given?
- You get tarlatamab as an infusion into a vein, and each infusion takes about 1 hour. The first 2 doses are given 1 week apart, and you are watched in a hospital or clinic for about a day after each one. After that, most people get it once every 2 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Tarlatamab?
- Fever, often from cytokine release syndrome. Feeling tired. Changes in taste. Lower appetite. Muscle or bone pain. Constipation. Nausea. Low red blood cells (anemia), which can make you feel weak.
- When should I call my care team while taking Tarlatamab?
- 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; Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine.
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.