HealthTree Foundation for Multiple Myeloma, Belantamab Mafodotin (BLENREP®) Treatment Details

Belantamab Mafodotin (BLENREP®)

Administration: iv

How it Works

BLENREP is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). It works in unique ways to help fight multiple myeloma.

An antibody-drug conjugate is made of a cell-killing medication attached to an antibody. The antibody of BLENREP seeks out and targets BCMA, a protein found on the surface of multiple myeloma cells in all patients. The linked drug can then enter and kill multiple myeloma cells from the inside or activate your immune system to fight your cancer.

How it’s Administered

BLENREP (belantamab mafodotin-blmf) for IV injection is a sterile, preservative-free, white to yellow, freeze-dried powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution and further dilution prior to intravenous use. BLENREP is supplied as 100 mg per vial and requires reconstitution with 2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, to obtain a concentration of 50 mg/mL.

The recommended dosage of BLENREP is 2.5 mg/kg of actual body weight given as an intravenous infusion over approximately 30 minutes once every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Current clinical trials are testing a spaced dose (i.e. every 8 weeks) when combined with other myeloma therapies (such as bortezomib and dexamethasone).

Because BLENREP can cause an eye condition called keratopathy (some patients have noticeable side effects while others don’t), you will be coordinating your care with the help of an optometrist who will evaluate your eyes prior to each BLENREP dose. The eye condition typically disappears when the BLENREP dose is held or stopped.

Who Should Take BLENREP

BLENREP is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with multiple myeloma who:

have received at least four prior medicines to treat multiple myeloma, and
their cancer has come back or did not respond to prior treatment

Who Shouldn’t Take BLENREP

Women who are breastfeeding should not take BLENREP and for three months after the last dose
Based on findings in animal studies, BLENREP may impair fertility in men and women, so if you are of child-bearing years, consult with your doctor before taking BLENREP
Patients with kidney issues should discuss BLENREP use with their doctor as the recommended dosage has not been established in patients with severe renal impairment

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking BLENREP Include:

Eye problems. An eye condition called keratopathy is common with BLENREP. BLENREP can cause changes to the surface of your eye that can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, worsening vision, severe vision loss, and corneal ulcers. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any vision changes or eye problems during treatment with BLENREP. The vision changes are not permanent and can be reduced or eliminated with longer intervals between treatments or dose holds.
Decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Infusion reactions: chills or shaking redness of your face (flushing) itching or rash shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face dizziness feel like passing out tiredness fever feel like your heart is racing (palpitations)