Dr. Rifkin on Corneal Toxicities With Belantamab Mafodotin in Multiple Myeloma

Robert M. Rifkin, MD, FACP, medical oncologist/hematologist, Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, discusses corneal toxicities with belantamab mafodotin-blmf (Blenrep) in multiple myeloma.

In August 2020, the FDA approved belantamab mafodotin for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received 4 prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory drug, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody.

Regarding safety, belantamab mafodotin is associated with off-target corneal toxicities, says Rifkin. Unlike the corneal toxicities associated with some chemotherapy agents, belantamab mafodotin–associated keratopathy cannot be treated with dexamethasone-containing eyedrops, Rifkin explains.

The field continues to expand its knowledge of how to best manage ocular toxicities associated with belantamab mafodotin, says Rifkin. Moreover, should a patient develop the adverse effect, it is generally manageable, and its trajectory is predictable. Additionally, not all patients who receive belantamab mafodotin will develop ocular toxicities, concludes Rifkin.