Review: Effects of anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibodies on red blood cell transfusion and interventions

BACKGROUND: Highly expressed in almost all myeloma cells, CD38 is an attractive treatment target. AIM: Anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibodies have been approved for first‐line treatment in non‐transplantable multiple myeloma (MM) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: However, it has been found in clinical use that anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibodies bind to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and cause panagglutination in indirect antiglobulin test (IAT), resulting in false positives of IAT (Transfusion, 55, 2015 and 1545; Transfusion, 55, 2015 and 1555). RESULT: Thereby, interfering with blood bank testing and leading to the delay of further diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION: With more and more patients receiving anti‐CD38 treatment, it is of great importance to recognize this problem and optimize relevant diagnosis and treatment procedures to prevent RBC transfusion delays and reduce laboratory costs.