Al-Ola A Abdallah, Associate Professor and Plasma Cell Disorder Program Director of the Division of HMCT at the University of Kansas Medical Center, shared a post on X:
“NEWS: The FDA’s ODAC will meet on July 17, 2025, to review the belantamab mafodotin in combination regimens for RRMM
Why is Belantamab Mafodotin Called a “Trojan Horse” in Myeloma?
Belantamab mafodotin = an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) targeting BCMA on myeloma cells.
But it’s more than just targeted therapy — it sneaks a toxin into the cell. Here’s how.
- Targeting: The antibody portion binds BCMA, a surface protein heavily expressed on myeloma cells.
- Internalization: The whole ADC is taken into the cell — much like the Trojan Horse being pulled into Troy.
- Payload delivery: Once inside, it releases MMAF, a cytotoxic agent that disrupts the cell’s microtubules, leading to apoptosis.
- Result:The Myeloma cell is killed from within, sparing surrounding healthy cells — just like soldiers hiding in the mythic horse.
- This “Trojan Horse” mechanism allows for precision cytotoxicity, especially valuable in relapsed/refractory cases where other therapies fail.
- Belantamab is making a comeback in combo therapies (e.g., with bortezomib or pomalidomide), showing OS and PFS benefits in new data.”
More posts featuring Al-Ola A Abdallah.