A groundbreaking blood cancer therapy called belantamab mafodotin is being made available on the National Health Service (NHS) in England, marking a world-first in treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells. Known as a “Trojan horse” therapy, it works by attaching a potent chemotherapy drug to an antibody that specifically targets cancerous plasma cells. Once inside, the drug is released to kill the cancer from within.
This advanced treatment can halt the progression of myeloma for up to three years, compared to just 13 months with current therapies, offering a significantly improved quality of life. Although not a cure, it brings hope for long-term remission, with experts predicting more than 50% of patients could achieve this within five years. The therapy, developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in the UK, has fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, though some patients may experience dry eyes or blurred vision. Following a cost-effectiveness review by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the drug will now be used for around 1,500 patients annually, especially those who relapse after first-line treatments. Experts and patient groups have hailed the approval as a major step forward, positioning the NHS at the forefront of cancer innovation.