According to a report by GSK, a recent clinical trial has revealed that Blenrep can reduce the risk of death by 42% in multiple myeloma after a patient has relapsed after the first diagnosis.
GSK developed Blenrep (also known as belantamab mafodotin) as a treatment option for multiple myeloma. Blenrep is a therapy that works by joining onto proteins and then delivering the drug to the cancerous cell. Blenrep was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2020, although there are ongoing trials to reassess the effectiveness and safety of the drug.
The DREAMM-7 trial showed that Blenrep’s response rate was stronger than dexamethasone and had a longer average length of response. However, the efficacy is not the only important aspect to evaluate, as the safety and side effects also need to be acknowledged.
The test results also revealed that the side effects of using Blenrep were double compared to other drugs used for treating multiple myeloma. Therefore, professionals should stay updated on the results of further trials such as DREAMM-10, another clinical trial programme, that is likely to be approved at the end of 2024.
The higher effectiveness rate of Blenrep is being recognised in other regions of the world and has recently been approved for priority review by the National Medical Products Administration of China.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that is currently affecting around 160,000 people in the UK. It is the third most common blood cancer in the world. There are treatment options available, but myeloma is still incurable.
