belantamab mafodotin at a glance
Class
BCMA-targeted antibody–cytotoxic conjugate
Usual role
Combination treatment for previously treated multiple myeloma
Administration
Intravenous infusion prepared and given by healthcare professionals
Key monitoring
Regular eye examinations and blood counts
What is belantamab mafodotin used for?
UK-licensed uses in adults with multiple myeloma are:
With bortezomib and dexamethasone after at least one previous therapy.
With pomalidomide and dexamethasone after at least one previous therapy that included lenalidomide.
How does belantamab mafodotin work?
The antibody recognises BCMA on myeloma cells and is taken inside them. It releases MMAF, which disrupts microtubules, stops cell division and triggers cell death. The antibody can also recruit immune cells against the tumour.
belantamab mafodotin preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 70 mg, 100 mg
How to take belantamab mafodotin
A healthcare professional prepares, dilutes and gives it into a vein. It must not be given as a rapid intravenous injection. Attend requested eye checks, use preservative-free artificial tears as instructed and avoid contact lenses unless an eye specialist advises otherwise.
Tell the team about existing eye problems, previous infusion reactions or previous hepatitis B infection.
Promptly report blurred vision, dry or painful eyes, light sensitivity or other visual changes.
Do not drive or operate machinery if your vision is affected.
belantamab mafodotin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced or blurred vision, corneal changes, dry eyes, eye irritation, light sensitivity or eye pain
- Low platelets, which can cause bruising or bleeding
- Low white or red blood cell counts
- Respiratory infections, including pneumonia
- Tiredness, fever, diarrhoea or nausea
- Abnormal liver blood-test results
- Infusion-related reactions
Get urgent medical advice
- Corneal ulcer or severe deterioration in vision
- Serious bleeding associated with low platelets
- Severe infection or pneumonia
- New or worsening breathlessness, cough or chest pain suggesting lung inflammation
- Severe infusion reaction or anaphylaxis
- Hepatitis B reactivation
belantamab mafodotin in pregnancy
Belantamab mafodotin may harm a developing baby and is not recommended during pregnancy unless a specialist considers the maternal benefit greater than the fetal risk. Pregnancy status should be checked before treatment. Effective contraception is required during treatment and afterwards—at least 4 months for women who could become pregnant and at least 6 months for men with partners who could become pregnant.
belantamab mafodotin while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether belantamab mafodotin enters breast milk, and serious effects in a breastfed child are possible. Breastfeeding should stop before treatment and not restart until at least 3 months after the final administration. Discuss feeding plans with the specialist team.
belantamab mafodotin interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed, although available evidence suggests a low overall interaction risk. The treatment team should review all prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
Anticoagulants
Belantamab mafodotin can lower platelets, so concurrent anticoagulation may increase bleeding concerns and require closer monitoring.
Bortezomib, pomalidomide, lenalidomide or dexamethasone
Available combination data found no meaningful effect on belantamab mafodotin pharmacokinetics.
Common questions about belantamab mafodotin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is belantamab mafodotin chemotherapy?
It is an antibody–cytotoxic conjugate. The antibody targets BCMA on myeloma cells and carries a cell-killing component into them.
Why does belantamab mafodotin require eye tests?
It can alter the corneal surface and reduce vision, sometimes before symptoms appear. Eye-test findings help the treatment team manage these effects.
Can I wear contact lenses during treatment?
Contact lenses should generally be avoided unless an eye specialist specifically recommends them.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.