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Belantamab mafodotin to treat multiple myeloma: A comprehensive review of disease, drug efficacy and side effects
Current Oncology
  • Grace Lassiter, Georgetown University
  • Cole Bergeron, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
  • Ryan Guedry, Louisiana State University in Shreveport
  • Julia Cucarola, Louisiana State University in Shreveport
  • Adam M. Kaye, University of the Pacific
  • Elyse M Cornett, Louisiana State University
  • Alan David Kaye, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
  • Giustino Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation
  • Omar Viswanath, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
  • Ivan Urits, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport
ORCiD
Adam M. Kaye: 0000-0002-7224-3322
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.3390/curroncol28010063
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by excessive clonal proliferation of plasma cells. The treatment of multiple myeloma presents a variety of unique challenges due to the complex molecular pathophysiology and incurable status of the disease at this time. Given that MM is the second most common blood cancer with a characteristic and unavoidable relapse/refractory state during the course of the disease, the development of new therapeutic modalities is crucial. Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf, GSK2857916) is a first-in-class therapeutic, indicated for patients who have previously attempted four other treatments, including an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteosome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory agent. In November 2017, the FDA designated belamaf as a breakthrough therapy for heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. In August 2020, the FDA granted accelerated approval as a monotherapy for relapsed or treatment-refractory multiple myeloma. The drug was also approved in the EU for this indication in late August 2020. Of note, belamaf is associated with the following adverse events: decreased platelets, corneal disease, decreased or blurred vision, anemia, infusion-related reactions, pyrexia, and fetal risk, among others. Further studies are necessary to evaluate efficacy in comparison to other standard treatment modalities and as future drugs in this class are developed.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information
Grace Lassiter, Cole Bergeron, Ryan Guedry, Julia Cucarola, et al.. "Belantamab mafodotin to treat multiple myeloma: A comprehensive review of disease, drug efficacy and side effects" Current Oncology Vol. 28 Iss. 1 (2021) p. 640 - 660 ISSN: 1718-7729
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/adam-kaye/49/