Introduction of Belantamab Mafodotin-Blmf
Belantamab Mafodotin, sold under the brand name Blenrep, is a medication for the treatment of relapsed and also refractory multiple myeloma. Belantamab Mafodotin-blmf is in fact an antibody-drug conjugate. This medication is classified as a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed antibody and also microtubule inhibitor conjugate. However, experts indicate Belantamab Mafodotin-blmf for the treatment of multiple myeloma in patients who are not responding to standard therapy or in those whose cancer comes back after remission.
Belantamab mafodotin is a humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody against the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) conjugated with a cytotoxic agent, maleimidocaproyl monomethyl auristatin F (mcMMAF). The antibody-drug conjugate binds to BCMA on myeloma cell surfaces causing cell cycle arrest and also inducing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
Hwever, experts indicate Belantamab mafodotin for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior therapies including an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory agent.
Experts give Belantamab Mafodotin-blmf as an intravenous infusion (IV) into the vein. This medication is, in fact, given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 3 weeks. However, the injection is given by a health care professional, usually over about 30 minutes.
Side Effects:
- Eye problems including the formation of bands in the front of the eye leading to a change in eyesight (keratopathy).
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoalbuminemia
- Increased liver enzymes
- Low blood counts
- Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea)
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint and back pain
- Increased risk of upper respiratory infections
- Increased serum creatinine
- Infusion reaction
- Blurred vision and dry eyes
Contact your health care provider immediately, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
- Infusion reactions including:
- Redness of your face
- Itching or rash
- Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
- Swelling of your lips, tongue, throat or face
- Dizziness
- Feel like passing out
- Tiredness
- Feel like your heart is racing (palpitations)
The following symptoms require medical attention but are not an emergency. Nausea (interferes with the ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication)
- Diarrhoea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning with urination
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
- Mouth sores (painful redness, swelling or ulcers)
Precautions:
- Before using belantamab mafodotin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Eye problems are common with this medication. You should use prescriptive-free lubricant eye drops during treatment and avoid wearing contact lenses.
- Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor’s approval while taking Belantamab Mafodotin-blmf.
- Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Belantamab Mafodotin-blmf, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor for further instructions.
- Do not breastfeed while taking Belantamab Mafodotin-blmf and for 3 months after the last dose.
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely.
