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Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdoğan · Medical Oncologist

IMDELLTRA (Tarlatamab) Preparation and Administration Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide

IMDELLTRA (Tarlatamab) Preparation and Administration Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this article

IMDELLTRA (tarlatamab-dlle)is a DLL3-targeted bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody used in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) that progresses during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. It is effective but requires special precautions: because it redirects the patient's T cells toward the tumor, particularly with the first doses, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) may occur. For pharmacy, nursing, and physician teams, this guide summarizes preparation, dosing, monitoring, and adverse-effect management step by step according to the US prescribing information updated in September 2026 .

At a glance
  • Dose: Cycle 1 Day 1: 1 mg; Days 8 and 15: 10 mg; then 10 mg every 2 weeks. Each infusion lasts 1 hour.
  • First two doses (Day 1 and Day 8): Beforehand, dexamethasone 8 mg IV; afterward, 1 L of 0.9% NaCl over 2-4 hours. Monitoring is now 6-8 hours; afterward, remain within 1 hour of the center for 48 hours with a caregiver. Assess the patient on Day 2 and Day 9.
  • Preparation: Add 1.3 mL sterile water for injection to the 1 mg vial and 4.4 mL to the 10 mg vial. Add 13 mL IV solution stabilizer (IVSS) to a 250 mL bag of 0.9% NaCl first, then add the medicine. A closed-system transfer device (CSTD) is not recommended.
  • Storage: Prepared bag: 8 hours at room temperature or 7 days refrigerated; time is measured from vial reconstitution until infusion completion. Do not refrigerate again.
  • Safety: CRS 57% (mostly grade 1; approximately 2% grade 3 or higher), neurological events consistent with ICANS 10%. Median time to CRS onset is 16 hours.
  • Evidence: In phase 3 DeLLphi-304, median survival was 13.6 versus 8.3 months compared with chemotherapy; the FDA granted full approval in November 2025.
What is new in this update? (September 2026)
  • Shorter monitoring: On September 14, 2026, the FDA reduced healthcare-facility monitoring after Cycle 1 Day 1 and Day 8 from 22-24 hours to 6-8 hours and added patient assessments on Day 2 and Day 9.
  • Hydration changed: The 1 L of normal saline after infusion is now administered not over 4-5 hours but over 2-4 hours and only on Day 1 and Day 8 (not Day 15).
  • Full approval: Accelerated approval was converted to full approval in November 2025 based on DeLLphi-304. In Europe, it was approved in June 2026 under the name IMDYLLTRA.
  • Safety data and management tables were updated using pooled data from 473 patients; steroid doses in CRS and ICANS management, line flushing, the laboratory schedule, and driving advice were corrected.
  • The positive DeLLphi-305 result in first-line maintenance treatment was added.

How does tarlatamab work?

One arm of tarlatamab binds to CD3on T cells, and the other arm binds to the DLL3 protein on the surface of small cell lung cancer cells. This creates a bridge—an immune synapse—between the T cell and tumor cell; the T cell is activated and destroys the cell bearing DLL3. According to Amgen, DLL3 is present on the tumor surface in approximately 85-96% of patients with small cell lung cancer. Because responses in DeLLphi-301 occurred regardless of DLL3 level, no DLL3 test is performed before treatment.

The same mechanism also causes activated T cells to release cytokines. Treatment therefore starts with a low "step-up" dose (1 mg), with premedication and hydration for the first two doses and close patient monitoring. We described the medicine's general characteristics and access in Türkiye in our article what is tarlatamab (Imdelltra) .

Figure 1 · Tarlatamab: a bridge between the T cell and tumor cell

The same mechanism triggers both tumor destruction and cytokine release.

T cellsurfaceCD3 tumor cellsurfaceDLL3 tarlatamab(BiTE) an immune synapse formsthe T cell is activated (no DLL3 test required) intended effectDLL3-bearingtumor cellis destroyed risk of adverse effectscytokine release:CRS, less commonlyICANS CRS usually begins after the first two doses,with a median onset of 16 hours;this is why step-up dosing and monitoring are used
How to read it: Tarlatamab forms an immune synapse by simultaneously binding CD3 on the T cell and DLL3 on the tumor cell. The activated T cell destroys the DLL3-bearing tumor cell; cytokines released at the same time can cause CRS and, less frequently, ICANS. Because CRS usually begins after the first two doses, with a median onset of 16 hours, treatment starts with step-up dosing and patients are monitored during the initial doses.

Indication and evidence

The indication in the US prescribing information: adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer whose disease progresses during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. The medicine received accelerated approval in May 2024 based on phase 2 DeLLphi-301: the response rate in 99 patients was 40%, with a median response duration of 9.7 months.

In phase 3 DeLLphi-304 , 509 patients were randomized to tarlatamab or investigator-selected chemotherapy (topotecan, lurbinectedin, or amrubicin). Tarlatamab increased median survival to 13.6 months (chemotherapy: 8.3 months); the risk of death decreased by 40% (HR 0.60). Response rates were 35% versus 20%, and median progression-free survival was 4.2 versus 3.7 months. Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 27% of the tarlatamab arm and 62% of the chemotherapy arm. Based on these results, the FDA granted full approval on November 19, 2025. We discussed the full approval decision in this article, and the broader range of second-line options in new treatments in SCLC: a 2026 map of options and access .

DeLLphi-304: tarlatamab versus chemotherapy
Second-line ES-SCLC, phase 3, 509 patients. Survival is shown in months (scale: 16 months), and response rate as a percentage (scale: 50%).
tarlatamabchemotherapy
Median survival (months)
13.6
 
8.3
Response rate (%)
35
 
20
How to interpret this: The 5.3-month difference in median survival is a meaningful gain for this patient group, whose options are limited. The progression-free survival difference is small (4.2 versus 3.7 months); the benefit mainly comes from sustained responses in patients who respond. The lower rate of severe treatment-related adverse effects compared with chemotherapy depends on correct implementation of the step-up dosing and monitoring protocol.
May 16, 2024
FDA accelerated approval DeLLphi-301
Response rate 40%; the first DLL3-targeted BiTE treatment in its class. Monitoring for 22-24 hours was mandatory after the first two doses.
November 19, 2025
FDA full approval DeLLphi-304
Superior survival compared with chemotherapy; hydration reduced to 2-4 hours and restricted to Day 1 and Day 8.
June 1, 2026
European approval (IMDYLLTRA)
The European Commission granted full marketing authorization.
September 8, 2026
Positive DeLLphi-305 result first-line maintenance
Adding tarlatamab to durvalumab significantly prolonged survival (company announcement; detailed data will be presented at a conference).
September 14, 2026
Monitoring reduced to 6-8 hours prescribing information update
Based on pooled safety data from 473 patients, monitoring on Day 1 and Day 8 was shortened; Day 2 and Day 9 assessments were added.

Dosing and monitoring schedule

Administration Dose Before and after Monitoring
Cycle 1, Day 1 1 mg Before: dexamethasone 8 mg IV (≤1 hour beforehand). After: 1 L of 0.9% NaCl over 2-4 hours 6-8 hours at the center; for 48 hours, remain ≤1 hour away with a caregiver; assessment on Day 2
Cycle 1, Day 8 10 mg Same as Day 1 Same as Day 1; assessment on Day 9
Cycle 1, Day 15 10 mg No routine premedication or hydration 6-8 hours
Cycle 2, Days 1 and 15 10 mg None 6-8 hours
Cycles 3-4, Days 1 and 15 10 mg None 3-4 hours
Cycle 5 onward 10 mg None 2 hours

Cycles last 28 days. Treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Monitoring periods are measured from the start of infusion. Source: US prescribing information, September 2026.

The September 2026 update shortening monitoring is based on pooled safety data from 473 patients in three studies (DeLLphi-300, 301, and 304). Among patients who developed CRS, 73% had it after the first dose and 60% after the second; median onset was 16 hours. Thus, the first 48 hours remain the highest-risk period. Although monitoring has been shortened, the 48-hour rule has not changed; it is therefore more important than before that discharged patients and caregivers recognize symptoms and can reach the center quickly.

Figure 2 · The first two doses (Day 1 and Day 8)

Six steps from premedication to returning home, according to the September 2026 prescribing information.

before infusionadequate hydration; dexamethasone 8 mg IV ≤1 hour beforehand 1 tarlatamab infusion: 1 hour250 mL/hour, lockable pump; flush the line afterward 2 immediately afterward, 1 L of 0.9% NaClover 2-4 hours (only on Day 1 and Day 8) 3 6-8 hours of monitoring at the centerfrom the start of infusion 4 48 hours: remain no more than 1 houraway from the center, with a caregiver 5 Day 2 and Day 9patient assessment, vital signs 6 Prescribing information before September 2026Day 1 and Day 8: 22-24 hours of monitoring;now only for the dose after severe CRS/ICANS
How to read it: Ensure adequate hydration before infusion and give dexamethasone 8 mg IV no later than 1 hour beforehand. Administer tarlatamab over 1 hour using a programmable, lockable pump; then flush the line and administer 1 L of normal saline over 2-4 hours. Monitor the patient for 6-8 hours from the start of infusion; for the following 48 hours, the patient stays within 1 hour of the center with a caregiver and undergoes assessment, including vital signs, on Day 2 and Day 9. The 22-24-hour monitoring period in the previous prescribing information now applies only to the dose after grade 3 CRS or grade 2-3 ICANS.
Difference from the European prescribing information

According to Amgen's announcement on European Commission approval, 6-8 hours of monitoring on Day 1 and Day 8 is also recommended in Europe; however, the subsequent period of staying near the healthcare facility is stated as 24 rather than 48 hours . Check which prescribing information your institution follows and the local authorized product information; this guide is based on the US prescribing information.

Pharmacy preparation: step by step

1. Reconstituting the vial

Vial Sterile water for injection to add Final concentration
1 mg 1.3 mL 0.9 mg/mL
10 mg 4.4 mL 2.4 mg/mL
  • Direct the water toward the vial's glass wall ; do not spray it directly onto the powder.
  • Dissolve by gently swirling the vial; do not shake.
  • The solution should be clear to opalescent and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use if there is discoloration, cloudiness, or particulate matter.
  • IV solution stabilizer (IVSS) is not used for reconstitution; it is added only to the infusion bag.

2. Preparing the infusion bag (250 mL of 0.9% NaCl)

Dose 1. Withdraw from the bag and discard 2. Add IVSS 3. Add reconstituted medicine
1 mg 14 mL 13 mL 1.1 mL
10 mg 17 mL 13 mL 4.2 mL
  • The order matters: First withdraw and discard normal saline, then add IVSS and gently mix the bag, and finally add the medicine. IVSS prevents the medicine from adhering to the bag and administration-set surfaces.
  • Do not shake: Mix by gently inverting the bag.
  • Remove air: Withdraw air from the bag with an empty syringe to prevent foaming.
  • Prime the administration set: Prime the infusion set with 0.9% NaCl or the prepared medicine.
  • Compatible materials: EVA, polyolefin, and PVC for the bag; polyolefin, PVC, and polyurethane for the set and catheter.
  • Do not use a CSTD: The prescribing information does not recommend closed-system transfer devices because of the potential risk of incorrect dosing.
  • Label: Write the preparation time (when the vial was reconstituted) on the bag; the storage period starts at that time.

3. Storage and stability

Figure 3 · Storage time for the prepared bag

Time is measured from vial reconstitution until the end of infusion.

hour 0: vial reconstitutionthe clock starts at this point prepare the 250 mL bag (IVSS + medicine) room temperature20-25°Cmaximum 8 hoursincluding completion of infusion refrigerator2-8°Cmaximum 7 daysincluding completion of infusion bring to room temperatureand complete within 8 hours. do notrefrigerate againdiscard if the time limit is exceeded unopened vial: 2-8°C, in its carton, protected from light;do not freeze; maximum 24 hours at room temperature
How to read it: The prepared bag can be stored for a maximum of 8 hours at room temperature (20-25°C) or 7 days in a refrigerator (2-8°C); both limits include the total time from vial reconstitution until completion of infusion. Bring a refrigerated bag to room temperature and administer it within 8 hours. Once a bag has reached room temperature, do not refrigerate it again; discard it if the time limit is exceeded. Store unopened vials at 2-8°C in the original carton, protected from light; do not freeze, and do not keep them at room temperature for more than 24 hours.

Clinical administration

  • Facility requirement: Initial doses should be given in a healthcare facility equipped to manage CRS and ICANS, with access to tocilizumab and intensive care.
  • Hydration: Ensure the patient is adequately hydrated before every administration.
  • Infusion: Over 1 hour at a fixed rate of 250 mL/hour; the pump must be programmable, lockable, non-elastomeric, and fitted with an alarm.
  • Flushing the line: Flush the IV line after infusion. The manufacturer's healthcare professional website specifies using 0.9% NaCl over 3-5 minutes for this.
  • Laboratory tests: Complete blood count, liver enzymes, and bilirubin: through Cycle 5 Day 15, before every dose; from Cycle 6 onward, before Day 1 of every cycle.
  • Neurological assessment: Ask about neurological symptoms at every visit; if ICANS is suspected, grade it using the ICE score.
  • Pregnancy: Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose.

Safety: managing CRS and ICANS

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS)

In pooled data from 473 patients in the current prescribing information, CRS occurred in 57% of patients. Most cases were mild: grade 1, 39%; grade 2, 15%; grade 3, 1.7%; grade 4, 0.2%. Median onset was 16 hours (ranging from the start of infusion to 15 days); CRS recurred in 24% of patients. Early symptoms include fever, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, low oxygen levels, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. We described the general mechanism of CRS in our article what is cytokine release syndrome .

Distribution by CRS grade (%)
US prescribing information, 473 patients from DeLLphi-300, 301, and 304. Bar lengths use a 50% scale.
Grade 1
39
Grade 2
15
Grade 3
1.7
Grade 4
0.2
How to interpret this: One in every two patients may experience CRS, but approximately one in every 50 develops grade 3 or higher CRS. The aim is therefore not to prevent CRS completely, but to recognize and treat it early and prevent progression to a severe condition.
Grade (ASTCT) Tarlatamab Treatment Next dose
Grade 1
Fever ≥38°C
Withhold until CRS resolves; resume with the next scheduled dose Supportive treatment (antipyretics, fluids); dexamethasone 4-10 mg orally or IV may be considered Scheduled monitoring
Grade 2
Fever + hypotension responsive to fluids and/or low-flow oxygen
Withhold until resolution Hospital admission for at least 24 hours, cardiac monitoring, and pulse oximetry; dexamethasone 8 mg orally or IV may be considered; tocilizumab may be considered 6-8 hours of monitoring
Grade 3
Requires a vasopressor and/or high-flow oxygen
Withhold until resolution; if it recurs, discontinue permanently Intensive-care-level support; dexamethasone 8 mg IV every 8 hours (maximum 3 doses); tocilizumab is recommended 22-24 hours of monitoring
Grade 4
Multiple vasopressors and/or positive-pressure respiratory support
Discontinue permanently Intensive care; corticosteroids; tocilizumab is recommended -

Source: US prescribing information (September 2026). Grading follows the ASTCT 2019 consensus criteria. For detailed adverse-effect management, see our tarlatamab adverse-effect management guide .

Neurological toxicity and ICANS

Neurological adverse effects, including mild symptoms such as headache, numbness, and dizziness, were reported in 65% of patients; grade 3 or higher events occurred in 7%. Events consistent with ICANS occurred in 10% of patients; within these, diagnosed ICANS occurred in 4.7%, and one case (0.2%) was fatal. Unlike CRS, ICANS can have a delayed onset: median onset was 16 days (1-862 days), with a median resolution time of 4 days. Symptoms include confusion, impaired attention and orientation, somnolence, difficulty speaking or writing, tremor, and seizures.

Grade (ICE score) Tarlatamab Treatment Next dose
Grade 1
ICE 7-9
Withhold until resolution Supportive treatment; no steroid required Usual monitoring
Grade 2
ICE 3-6
Withhold until resolution Dexamethasone 8-10 mg orally or IV; may be repeated every 12 hours; if worsening occurs, methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg IV every 12 hours 22-24 hours of monitoring
Grade 3
ICE 0-2
Withhold; if it does not improve to grade ≤1 within 7 days or if it recurs, discontinue permanently Intensive care; dexamethasone 10 mg IV every 6 hours or methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg IV every 12 hours 22-24 hours of monitoring
Grade 4
ICE 0 or inability to awaken, seizures, cerebral edema
Discontinue permanently Intensive care; methylprednisolone 1,000 mg/day IV in divided doses for 3 days -

Source: US prescribing information (September 2026). ICE: immune effector cell-associated encephalopathy score (out of 10). Seizure prophylaxis, brain imaging, and neurological consultation are planned according to clinical need (general practice).

Restarting after a dose delay

Last dose administered Time elapsed Action
Cycle 1 Day 1 (1 mg) ≤14 days Continue with 10 mg on the scheduled regimen
>14 days Restart step-up dosing at 1 mg; give 10 mg after 1 week
Cycle 1 Day 8 (10 mg) ≤21 days Continue with 10 mg on the scheduled regimen
>21 days Restart step-up dosing at 1 mg; give 10 mg after 1 week
Cycle 1 Day 15 onward (10 mg) ≤28 days Continue with 10 mg on the scheduled regimen
>28 days Restart step-up dosing at 1 mg; give 10 mg after 1 week

When restarting step-up dosing, repeat premedication, hydration, and the initial-dose monitoring protocol with the new Day 1 and Day 8 doses.

Dose modifications for other adverse effects

Condition Action
Infection During step-up dosing, withhold for infection of any grade until resolution. During the treatment period, withhold grade 3 infection until grade ≤1; permanently discontinue for grade 4. In pooled data, infection occurred in 43% (grade 3-4: 14%).
Neutropenia For grade 3, withhold until grade ≤2 and consider G-CSF. The same applies to grade 4; permanently discontinue if it does not improve to grade ≤2 within 1 week.
Thrombocytopenia For grade 3-4, withhold until improvement to grade ≤2 and no remaining bleeding.
Recurrent grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia Discontinue permanently.
Liver toxicity For grade 3, withhold until grade ≤1. Permanently discontinue for grade 4 or AST/ALT >3 × ULN together with bilirubin >2 × ULN. ALT elevation occurred in 39% (grade 3-4: 2.5%).
Other grade 3-4 adverse effects Withhold until grade ≤1 or baseline; consider permanent discontinuation if there is no resolution within 28 days.

Quick checklists

Pharmacy

Vials at 2-8°C, in the carton, protected from light; do not freeze. Reconstitution: 1 mg → 1.3 mL, 10 mg → 4.4 mL; direct toward the glass wall, do not shake. Bag: withdraw/discard 14/17 mL → add 13 mL IVSS → add 1.1/4.2 mL medicine. Remove air, prime the set, do not use a CSTD. Write preparation time on the label; 8 hours at room temperature or 7 days refrigerated; do not refrigerate again.

Nursing and physician teams

Days 1 and 8: dexamethasone 8 mg IV (≤1 hour beforehand) → 1-hour infusion → line flushing → 1 L NaCl over 2-4 hours → 6-8 hours of monitoring. Explain the 48-hour rule to the patient and caregiver; assess on Days 2 and 9. Blood count, liver tests, and bilirubin before every dose. Check access to tocilizumab.

Patient and caregiver

Provide written symptom information and a telephone number available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Explain that fever, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, or difficulty speaking require immediate medical attention. Tell the patient not to drive or operate machinery until neurological symptoms resolve.

A brief note for patients and caregivers

The 48 hours after the first two doses
  • For 48 hours after the first two doses, stay no more than 1 hour away from your treatment center, with a caregiver .
  • Return to your center for assessment the next day (Day 2 and Day 9).
  • If you develop fever (38°C or above), chills, dizziness, shortness of breath, or palpitations; or symptoms such as confusion, excessive sleepiness, difficulty speaking or writing, tremor, or seizures, without delay, call your center or go to an emergency department.
  • Until neurological symptoms have completely resolved, do not drive, do hazardous work, or operate machinery.
  • Drink plenty of fluids; make sure you drink enough water before treatment days.
In Türkiye
  • Tarlatamab's licensing, overseas medicine supply, and reimbursement status in Türkiye can change; you can follow current information in our article what is tarlatamab .
  • Administration must follow your institution's product information and the locally authorized text. The US and European prescribing information differ in the period of staying near a healthcare facility after monitoring (48 versus 24 hours).
  • Initial doses are not recommended at centers without access to tocilizumab and intensive care.

Frequently asked questions

Why was monitoring reduced from 22-24 hours to 6-8 hours?
The FDA evaluated safety data from 473 patients in three studies. Most CRS was mild and could be managed safely with close follow-up, next-day assessment, and the 48-hour rule. Monitoring has been shortened, but patients must still remain near the center with a caregiver during the first 48 hours.
Is a DLL3 test required before treatment?
No. DLL3 is present in the great majority of small cell lung cancers, and responses in the studies occurred regardless of DLL3 level.
Should normal saline also be given on Day 15?
Not according to the current US prescribing information. After infusion, 1 L of normal saline is given only on Cycle 1 Day 1 and Day 8, over 2-4 hours. The previous recommendation of "over 4-5 hours on Days 1, 8, and 15" changed in November 2025.
Why is a closed-system transfer device (CSTD) not used?
Because very small volumes are used (1.1 mL and 4.2 mL), the dead space in CSTDs can create a risk of incorrect dosing; the prescribing information therefore does not recommend them.
The prepared bag was taken out of the refrigerator, but the patient did not arrive; can it be refrigerated again?
No. A bag brought to room temperature must not be returned to the refrigerator. Discard it if the room-temperature limit of 8 hours from reconstitution is exceeded.
How is the next dose administered after CRS?
For grade 1 and grade 2 CRS, withhold the medicine until resolution, then give the next dose with scheduled monitoring. After grade 3 CRS, monitor for 22-24 hours with the next dose; permanently discontinue treatment if grade 3 CRS recurs or grade 4 develops.
Can the patient drive?
The current prescribing information bases restrictions on symptoms rather than a fixed duration: patients should not drive or do hazardous work until neurological symptoms have fully resolved. During the first 48 hours, they must already remain near the center with a caregiver.
Is dexamethasone premedication required for every dose?
Routinely, 8 mg IV is given only on Cycle 1 Day 1 and Day 8, no more than 1 hour before infusion. If step-up dosing is restarted because of a dose delay, repeat it with the new Day 1 and Day 8 doses.

Glossary

BiTE
Bispecific T-cell engager: an antibody with one arm binding to a T cell and the other to a tumor cell.
DLL3
Delta-like ligand 3: a protein abundant on the surface of small cell lung cancer cells and scarce on healthy cells.
CRS
Cytokine release syndrome: fever, low blood pressure, and low oxygen levels caused by cytokines released by immune cells. Also abbreviated SSS in Turkish sources.
ICANS
Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome: a neurological condition involving symptoms such as confusion, difficulty speaking, and seizures.
ICE score
A 10-point scale assessing orientation, naming, following commands, writing, and attention; used to grade ICANS.
ASTCT
American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: the organization that established grading criteria for CRS and ICANS.
IVSS
IV solution stabilizer: a solution added only to the bag to prevent the medicine from adhering to the bag and administration-set surfaces.
CSTD
Closed-system transfer device: a system used to prepare hazardous medicines, which is not recommended for this medicine.
Step-up dosing
Starting treatment at a low dose and increasing to the full dose to reduce CRS risk.
Tocilizumab
A medicine that inhibits the interleukin-6 receptor and is used to treat moderate-to-severe CRS.

DROZDOGAN Academy Commentary

Tarlatamab is a treatment shown, after a long gap in progress, to prolong second-line survival in small cell lung cancer. Its success, however, depends as much on pharmacy, nursing, and physician teams following the protocol as on the medicine itself.

⚡ Why it matters

The September 2026 update removes the requirement for an overnight hospital stay after the first two doses, allowing outpatient administration. While improving access, this shifts responsibility toward the patient's home, caregiver, and the team's availability by telephone.

✅ Strengths

Superior survival and fewer severe adverse effects than chemotherapy in a phase 3 trial. CRS is usually mild and occurs at a predictable time. Preparation steps are standardized, and no DLL3 test is required.

⚠️ Limitations

Preparation uses very small volumes with little margin for error. ICANS can have a delayed onset. US and European prescribing information differ on the rule after monitoring. Access and reimbursement conditions in Türkiye can change.

🩺 What to do in practice
  1. Use an institutional standard preparation form and double checks (volumes, IVSS sequence, preparation time).
  2. Update protocols according to the September 2026 prescribing information : 6-8 hours of monitoring, hydration over 2-4 hours, and assessments on Days 2 and 9.
  3. Give patients and caregivers a written symptom card and a telephone number available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
  4. Share with the emergency department the CRS and ICANS algorithm ; check tocilizumab stock.
  5. Put blood counts and liver tests before each dose on a schedule .
❓ Open questions

Will shorter monitoring provide the same safety in real-world practice? Will detailed DeLLphi-305 results move tarlatamab into first-line treatment? What will its role be in limited-stage disease (DeLLphi-306)? When and under what conditions will access be available in Türkiye?

Our brief conclusion: Tarlatamab is effective and manageable when administered using the correct protocol. The September 2026 update simplifies administration but makes safety more dependent on team preparation and patient education. Every center needs to update its protocol according to the current prescribing information.

Transparency note
  • This article is the September 2026 update of our website's "IMDELLTRA (Tarlatamab) Preparation and Administration Guide." The primary source is Amgen's US prescribing information dated September 2026; the initial 2024 prescribing information, FDA and Amgen announcements, the manufacturer's healthcare professional website, and professional news sources were also used.
  • Corrections to the previous version: Monitoring after Day 1 and Day 8 was reduced from 22-24 hours to 6-8 hours, and Day 2 and 9 assessments were added. Post-infusion hydration was corrected from "over 4-5 hours on Days 1, 8, and 15" to "over 2-4 hours on Days 1 and 8." "Accelerated approval" was updated to full approval. CRS frequency was corrected from 55% to 57%, and ICANS from 9% according to current data. In the CRS table, "temporarily stop the infusion" was replaced by "withhold until resolution," with permanent discontinuation for recurrent grade 3 CRS and corrected steroid doses; in the ICANS table, the lack of a steroid requirement for grade 1 and the doses for grades 2-4 were corrected. Line flushing, the current laboratory schedule, and the possibility of storing vials at room temperature for 24 hours were added. Driving restrictions were changed from "for a temporary period" to "until neurological symptoms resolve." Solution appearance follows the prescribing information ("clear to opalescent"). The abbreviation "CRS" was used instead of "SSS" to avoid confusion with our website's frequently asked questions section.
  • Taken from secondary sources: Prescribing-information tables were taken from text read using a summarizing tool. DeLLphi-304 details came from OncLive and Amgen announcements; the European 24-hour rule from Amgen's European approval announcement; the DeLLphi-305 result from an Amgen press release; and the 3-5-minute line-flushing period from the manufacturer's healthcare professional website.
  • Not verified: Tarlatamab's current licensing and reimbursement status in Türkiye; the full European product information; numerical DeLLphi-305 results; and the requirement for an in-line filter (not found in the prescribing information).
  • Based on general knowledge: Clinical definitions of CRS and ICANS grades (ASTCT), seizure prophylaxis and brain imaging, the recommendation for access to tocilizumab and intensive care at the center, and the explanation of CSTD dead space were presented as general clinical knowledge.
  • The checklists, patient note, practical recommendations presented as "our advice," and the Academy commentary are our own.
  • The diagrams were derived from verified statements in the article; they contain no new data.
  • This content is a practical summary for healthcare professionals and does not replace the product information. Consult the current product information and institutional protocol for patient-specific decisions.

References

  1. IMDELLTRA (tarlatamab-dlle) US prescribing information. Amgen. Revised September 2026.
  2. IMDELLTRA (tarlatamab-dlle) US prescribing information, initial version. FDA. May 2024.
  3. Amgen. FDA approves reduced monitoring time for first two doses of IMDELLTRA. September 14, 2026.
  4. Amgen. FDA grants full approval to Amgen's IMDELLTRA in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. November 19, 2025.
  5. ASCO Post. Traditional approval granted to tarlatamab-dlle for extensive-stage SCLC. November 2025.
  6. Mountzios G ve ark. Tarlatamab in small-cell lung cancer after platinum-based chemotherapy (DeLLphi-304). N Engl J Med. 2025 (ASCO 2025, LBA8008).
  7. OncLive. DeLLphi-304 data reinforce role of tarlatamab as second-line SOC in small cell lung cancer.
  8. OncLive and ASCO Post. FDA grants accelerated approval to tarlatamab for ES-SCLC (DeLLphi-301). May 2024.
  9. Amgen. European Commission approves Amgen's IMDYLLTRA. June 2026.
  10. Amgen. IMDELLTRA in combination with IMFINZI demonstrated improvement in overall survival in first-line ES-SCLC (DeLLphi-305). September 8, 2026.
  11. Amgen IMDELLTRA healthcare professional website: Dosing and administration.
  12. Targeted Oncology. FDA reduces tarlatamab monitoring time in SCLC. September 2026.
  13. Lee DW ve ark. ASTCT consensus grading for cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity associated with immune effector cells. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2019.

Sources

Amgen Inc. IMDELLTRA® (tarlatamab-dlle) Dosing, Administration and Pharmacy Guide. Amgen; 2024. Erişim: https://www.pi.amgen.com/united_states/Imdelltra/Imdelltra_fpi.pdf
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