Belantamab Mafodotin and Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: This Is Not Game Over

Although the therapeutic landscape for multiple myeloma (MM) has expanded, the disease always tends to relapse. In an attempt to obtain deep and durable responses, each relapse requires the use of a new strategy. In recent years, new treatment options have emerged, even for heavily treated patients. Novel, well-tolerated, and highly effective therapies in the relapsed/refractory (RRMM) setting currently represent a real hope. Belantamab mafodotin (BLENREP (TM)) is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody-drug conjugate whose target is B-cell maturation antigen conjugated to the cytotoxic microtubule inhibitor monomethyl auristatin F. Here, we present two cases of heavily pre-treated RRMM patients that were favorably treated with belantamab mafodotin, obtaining at least a partial response. Treatment was well tolerated and is ongoing. This is a rare report on real life clinical use of belantamab mafodotin outside of controlled clinical trials and provides information on efficacy and safety of this anti-myeloma new class of drugs.