“Trojan Horse” Cancer Therapy Now Available on NHS

Groundbreaking Treatment Offers Hope for Myeloma Patients

A novel cancer therapy, dubbed a “Trojan horse” approach, is now being offered to patients within England’s National Health Service. The treatment delivers chemotherapy directly into cancer cells, promising longer remission periods and reduced side effects for those battling myeloma.

How the Therapy Works

The innovative treatment, called belantamab mafodotin, utilizes an antibody to target markings found exclusively on myeloma cells. This antibody acts as a carrier, delivering a potent chemotherapy drug directly into the cancerous cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Once inside, the drug releases its toxic payload, effectively destroying the cancer from within.

Paul Silvester, 60, from Sheffield, was diagnosed with myeloma nearly two years ago after the cancer caused fractures in his back. Following a bone marrow transplant and subsequent relapse, he began receiving belantamab mafodotin through an early access scheme. Within weeks, he achieved remission.

“It is absolutely life-changing and was creating that opportunity to enjoy life.”

—Paul Silvester

Silvester now looks forward to pursuing his passion for history, with a planned visit to Hadrian’s Wall, and celebrating his daughter’s upcoming graduation. He reports feeling remarkably well and enjoying a normal life.

Significant Improvement in Remission Rates

Clinical trials conducted last year demonstrated the effectiveness of this “Trojan horse” therapy. Patients receiving belantamab mafodotin experienced remission for nearly three years, a substantial improvement compared to the 13 months achieved with current standard treatments. According to Cancer Research UK, myeloma accounts for 1% of all cancer cases in the UK, with approximately 5,900 new cases diagnosed each year. Cancer Research UK

NHS Optimism and Future Outlook

Professor Peter Johnson, the national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, emphasized the significance of this development. This is a really important development for people with myeloma, because although we may not be able to cure the illness, giving them time free of the disease and free of the symptoms is really important. He highlighted the growing success of antibody-drug conjugates in cancer treatment.

Around 1,500 patients per year in the UK could benefit from this new therapy, which will be used when initial treatments fail. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) deemed the drug cost-effective for NHS use, paving the way for its widespread availability. While side effects, such as dry eyes and blurred vision, can occur, they are generally less severe than those associated with traditional chemotherapy.

Researchers are optimistic that antibody-drug conjugates will continue to advance cancer treatment, potentially leading to functional cures and extended remission periods. Further research is underway to explore the application of this technology to other cancer types, including breast, stomach, and bowel cancer.