The patient experience: Treatment with BCMA-directed therapies in relapsed MM

On March 5, 2026, the Multiple Myeloma Hub held a virtual symposium, titled Optimizing dosing of BCMA-directed therapies for improved quality of life in multiple myeloma. During the symposium, Rakesh Popat chaired a panel discussion featuring patient representative Lynn Williams, alongside faculty members Fredrik Schjesvold and Hang Quach, on real-world experience with belantamab mafodotin in multiple myeloma.  

In this discussion, Williams shares her experience of long-term treatment with belantamab mafodotin, including treatment burden, adverse events, and impact on quality of life (QoL). The panel explores variability in patient experiences, strategies for managing ocular toxicity, and the role of dose modification and treatment scheduling in optimizing outcomes.  

Key points 

• Real-world experience with B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed therapies highlights variability in treatment response and tolerability, reinforcing the need for individualized management strategies. 
• Long-term treatment with belantamab mafodotin may be feasible, with some patients able to remain on therapy for extended periods with appropriate dosing intervals and supportive care. 
• Treatment burden with belantamab mafodotin may be low for some patients, particularly with extended dosing intervals and reduced frequency of hospital visits. 
• Ocular adverse events are a key toxicity associated with belantamab mafodotin and can impact visual acuity, including reading and distance vision.¹ 
• Ocular toxicity is generally reversible and can be managed with dose delays, dose reduction, and supportive measures.¹ 
• The severity and impact of ocular adverse events vary between patients, and tolerance is influenced by individual circumstances and lifestyle. 
• Patients may adapt to visual changes through practical strategies, such as modifying eyewear or daily activities, although willingness to do so may vary. 
• In clinical practice, dosing intervals may be extended (e.g. 8–12 weeks or longer) to improve tolerability while maintaining response and enabling continued treatment.¹ 
• Clinician experience suggests that treatment discontinuation due to ocular toxicity is relatively uncommon and can often be mitigated with dose modification. 
• Compared with T-cell-engaging BCMA-directed therapies, belantamab mafodotin may be associated with a lower risk of infections in certain patients.² 
• With bispecific antibody therapy, ongoing treatment may be associated with cumulative infection risk, highlighting differences in toxicity profiles between BCMA-directed modalities.² 
• There may be potential for overtreatment with continuous therapies, and emerging perspectives support consideration of reduced dosing frequency or treatment duration in selected patients. 
• Patient preference and shared decision-making are important in treatment selection, including decisions around re-treatment and choice of BCMA-directed therapy. 
• Patient-reported experience underscores the importance of balancing efficacy with QoL, particularly in the context of long-term disease management. 

This independent educational activity was supported by GSK. All content was developed independently by SES in collaboration with the faculty. The funder was allowed no influence on the content of this activity.