Thousands of patients in England battling blood cancer will now be the first in the world to receive a groundbreaking “Trojan horse” treatment that targets and destroys cancer cells from within. The treatment aims to halt the disease’s progression for up to three times longer than current standard therapies.
The drug, belantamab mafodotin, has been approved for use in NHS England to treat multiple myeloma, an aggressive cancer of the bone marrow.
Described as a “Trojan horse” drug, belantamab mafodotin works by disguising itself as a targeted antibody and sneaking into cancer cells, where it releases a high concentration of a cell-killing agent from the inside. Every three weeks, NHS England administers it as an infusion alongside other medications such as bortezomib and dexamethasone.
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Trials have shown that patients given belantamab mafodotin saw disease progression delayed by around three years, compared to just one year with the commonly used drug daratumumab.
“This treatment has the potential to keep cancer at bay for years longer,” said Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer. “It offers patients the chance for more precious time with friends and family.”
The decision comes after a review by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded the drug was cost-effective for NHS use. Up to 1,500 patients per year whose disease has stopped responding to previous therapies will be eligible to receive the treatment.
Shelagh McKinlay, director of research and advocacy at Myeloma UK, called the NHS decision “transformative” and praised efforts to accelerate access to the drug.
Patient Paul Silvester, 60, from Sheffield, who received the drug under an early access programme after his first treatment failed, described the results as life-changing. “It’s been amazing; within the first two or three weeks, after the first dose, I was in remission,” he said.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, added, “This recommendation demonstrates our commitment to delivering cutting-edge treatments quickly while ensuring value for the taxpayer.”
Health Minister Karin Smyth hailed the therapy as a major milestone: “This groundbreaking ‘Trojan horse’ drug puts the NHS at the forefront of cancer innovation and gives renewed hope to blood cancer patients across the country.”
