What is Belantamab Mafodotin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Belantamab mafodotin is a targeted cancer medication specifically designed to treat multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. This innovative treatment works by delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue as much as possible.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed this medication, you probably have many questions about how it works and what to expect. Let's walk through everything you need to know about this specialized cancer treatment in simple, clear terms.

What is Belantamab Mafodotin?

Belantamab mafodotin is an antibody-drug conjugate, which means it combines a targeted antibody with a powerful chemotherapy drug. Think of it as a guided missile that seeks out specific cancer cells and delivers treatment directly to them.

The medication belongs to a newer class of cancer treatments that aim to be more precise than traditional chemotherapy. It's given through an IV infusion, usually in a hospital or specialized cancer treatment center.

This treatment is specifically approved for adults with multiple myeloma who have already tried at least four other treatments. Your doctor will only consider this option after other therapies haven't worked as well as hoped.

What is Belantamab Mafodotin Used For?

Belantamab mafodotin is used to treat relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in adults. Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects plasma cells, which are important infection-fighting cells in your bone marrow.

The term "relapsed" means the cancer has come back after treatment, while "refractory" means it didn't respond well to previous treatments. This medication is typically reserved for people who have already tried several other therapies.

Your oncologist will consider this treatment when you've received at least four prior therapies, including specific types of drugs called immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies. It's what doctors call a "later-line" treatment option.

How Does Belantamab Mafodotin Work?

This medication works by targeting a specific protein called BCMA that's found on the surface of multiple myeloma cells. The antibody part of the drug acts like a key that fits into the lock of these cancer cells.

Once the antibody attaches to the cancer cell, it delivers a potent chemotherapy drug directly inside the cell. This targeted approach helps destroy cancer cells while potentially causing less damage to healthy cells compared to traditional chemotherapy.

The medication is considered a strong treatment option, but because it's so targeted, it may cause fewer of the widespread side effects you might expect from conventional chemotherapy. However, it can still cause significant side effects that require careful monitoring.

How Should I Take Belantamab Mafodotin?

You'll receive belantamab mafodotin through an IV infusion at a hospital or cancer treatment center. The medication is given once every three weeks, and each infusion takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Before each infusion, your medical team will give you medications to help prevent allergic reactions. These might include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and fever reducers. You don't need to do anything special with food or drink before treatment.

Your healthcare team will monitor you closely during and after each infusion for any immediate reactions. They'll also check your blood counts and other important lab values regularly to make sure your body is handling the treatment well.

How Long Should I Take Belantamab Mafodotin For?

The length of treatment with belantamab mafodotin depends on how well your cancer responds and how well you tolerate the medication. Some people may receive treatment for several months, while others might continue for a year or more.

Your oncologist will regularly assess your response to treatment through blood tests, imaging scans, and physical examinations. They'll continue the medication as long as it's helping control your cancer and the side effects remain manageable.

Treatment may need to be stopped or delayed if you develop serious side effects, particularly eye problems or severe drops in blood cell counts. Your doctor will work with you to find the right balance between fighting the cancer and maintaining your quality of life.

What Are the Side Effects of Belantamab Mafodotin?

Like all cancer treatments, belantamab mafodotin can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most concerning side effect is damage to the cornea of your eyes, which can affect your vision.

Before we discuss the side effects, please know that your medical team will monitor you closely throughout treatment. They have strategies to manage these effects and will adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Common side effects include:

• Eye problems, including blurred vision, dry eyes, and corneal damage
• Low blood cell counts, which can increase infection risk
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and decreased appetite
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Skin rash or itching
• Fever and chills

Serious but less common side effects include:

• Severe corneal damage that could lead to vision loss
• Serious infections due to low white blood cell counts
• Bleeding problems due to low platelet counts
• Severe allergic reactions during infusion
• Liver problems

The eye problems deserve special attention because they're the most unique and potentially serious side effect of this medication. Your doctor will arrange regular eye exams with a specialist to monitor your corneas throughout treatment.

Who Should Not Take Belantamab Mafodotin?

Belantamab mafodotin isn't appropriate for everyone with multiple myeloma. Your doctor will carefully evaluate whether this treatment is right for you based on your overall health and medical history.

You shouldn't receive this medication if you have a known allergy to belantamab mafodotin or any of its components. Your doctor will also be cautious if you have pre-existing eye problems or certain blood disorders.

Special considerations apply if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. This medication can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is essential during treatment and for several months afterward.

People with severe kidney or liver problems may need dose adjustments or might not be candidates for this treatment. Your doctor will review your lab values and overall health status before making a recommendation.

Belantamab Mafodotin Brand Name

The brand name for belantamab mafodotin is Blenrep. This is the name you'll see on your medication labels and insurance paperwork.

Blenrep is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and was approved by the FDA in 2020. It's currently the only available brand of this specific medication.

When discussing your treatment with healthcare providers or insurance companies, you might hear both names used interchangeably. The generic name is belantamab mafodotin-blmf, while the brand name is simply Blenrep.

Belantamab Mafodotin Alternatives

If belantamab mafodotin isn't suitable for you or stops working, several other treatment options exist for multiple myeloma. Your oncologist will consider your specific situation and previous treatments when recommending alternatives.

Other targeted therapies include CAR-T cell therapy, which uses your own immune cells that have been modified to fight cancer. There are also newer antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapy options that work differently than belantamab mafodotin.

Traditional treatments like chemotherapy combinations, stem cell transplant, or radiation therapy might also be options depending on your circumstances. Clinical trials investigating new treatments could provide access to cutting-edge therapies not yet widely available.

The best alternative depends on factors like your previous treatments, overall health, age, and personal preferences. Your healthcare team will work with you to explore all appropriate options.

Is Belantamab Mafodotin Better Than Other Multiple Myeloma Treatments?

Belantamab mafodotin offers unique advantages for people with heavily pretreated multiple myeloma, but whether it's "better" depends on your individual situation. This medication works differently than other treatments, so it may be effective even when other therapies have stopped working.

Compared to traditional chemotherapy, belantamab mafodotin may cause fewer systemic side effects like hair loss, severe nausea, or nerve damage. However, it has its own unique side effects, particularly the risk of eye problems.

The medication's targeted approach means it can be effective in people whose cancer has become resistant to other treatments. Clinical studies have shown it can shrink tumors in some people who haven't responded to multiple other therapies.

Your oncologist will consider your specific type of multiple myeloma, previous treatments, current health status, and personal preferences when determining if this is the best option for you at this time.