Dr. Popat on Investigational Strategies for Belantamab Mafodotin–Related Keratopathy in Multiple Myeloma

Rakesh Popat, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, consultant hematologist, University College Hospital, honorary associate professor, University College London, discusses investigational strategies to mitigate belantamab mafodotin-blmf (Blenrep)–related keratopathy in multiple myeloma.

Research is being generated regarding how to improve management strategies for belantamab mafodotin–related keratopathy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, Popat explains. Findings from the pharmacokinetic analysis of the phase 2 DREAMM-2 trial (NCT03525678) suggest that the severity of keratopathy correlates with trough levels of belantamab mafodotin.

As such, clinical rationale exists to extend the infusion time of belantamab mafodotin to elicit a lower trough level. Moreover, some of the ongoing DREAMM trials and other investigator-initiated studies will be dosing belantamab mafodotin in 4-to-6-week cycles rather than 21-day cycles to minimize keratopathy among patients, Popat says.

Additionally, investigators are parsing out whether eye care specialists are needed to manage keratopathy in patients with multiple myeloma receiving belantamab mafodotin. Hematologists typically manage a wide range of treatment-related adverse effects (TRAEs), so once the field develops a better understanding of mitigating keratopathy, hematologists may be able to manage the TRAE without insight from ophthalmologists, Popat explains. In turn, patients could be spared an additional appointment to an eye care specialist, Popat concludes.