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Management of Ocular Toxicity in Patients Receiving Belantamab Mafodotin
Rebecca Lu1, Ashley Morphey1, Felicia Diaz1
1From The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Abstract:
While significant strides have been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma, treatment options remain limited and definite, and most patients ultimately succumb to their disease. The urgency for more treatment modalities remains, as patients who are refractory to proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies have a median survival of only 5.8 to 13 months. Belantamab mafodotin, a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2020 for patients with relapsed or refractory myeloma who have received at least four prior therapies, including an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory agent. It produced an overall response rate of 31%, and the median progression-free survival was 2.9 months when administered as a single agent. While generally well tolerated, ocular toxicities were a notable adverse event reported. In this article, we discuss the response data, toxicity profile including ocular toxicities, and treatment management.
Insights
Belantamab mafodotin offers a new treatment for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This antibody-drug conjugate shows a 31% response rate but requires careful management of side effects, particularly ocular toxicities.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma treatment options are limited, especially for patients refractory to standard therapies like proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies.
- Patients with refractory multiple myeloma have a poor median survival of 5.8 to 13 months, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety data of belantamab mafodotin, a novel antibody-drug conjugate for multiple myeloma.
- To discuss the treatment response, toxicity profile (including ocular toxicities), and management strategies for belantamab mafodotin.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance for belantamab mafodotin in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
- Analysis of response rates, progression-free survival, and adverse event profiles, with a focus on ocular toxicities.
Main Results:
- Belantamab mafodotin demonstrated an overall response rate of 31% as a single agent in heavily pre-treated patients.
- Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months.
- Ocular toxicities were a notable adverse event requiring specific management.
Conclusions:
- Belantamab mafodotin is a valuable addition to the treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, particularly for patients who have exhausted other options.
- Careful monitoring and management of ocular toxicities are crucial for optimal patient outcomes with belantamab mafodotin therapy.
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