Belantamab

Belantamab is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of certain types of cancer. It is a humanized IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody that targets the CD30 protein, which is overexpressed on the surface of various cancer cells, including Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and some types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. By binding to CD30, belantamab induces antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), leading to the destruction of cancer cells.

Belantamab was developed by Amgen and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma in patients who have received at least two prior systemic therapies. The drug is administered intravenously and is typically given every 3 weeks.

Clinical trials have shown that belantamab can provide significant clinical benefit in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma, with some patients experiencing complete or partial responses. However, like all cancer treatments, belantamab carries risks and potential side effects, including infusion reactions, neutropenia, and increased risk of infections.

Belantamab is part of a growing class of targeted therapies that use monoclonal antibodies to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. Its approval marks an important advancement in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, offering a new option for patients who have not responded to previous therapies.