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In a groundbreaking development, the NHS in England is set to offer a revolutionary “Trojan horse” therapy that delivers toxic drugs inside cancer cells, a move that is a world first. This innovative treatment has shown remarkable results in halting the progression of the blood cancer myeloma for almost three times longer than current therapies while minimizing side effects. Paul Silvester, an early recipient of this therapy, describes it as “life-changing” and is now looking forward to embarking on history-themed adventures.
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, specifically targets plasma cells, a crucial component of the immune system that is produced in the bone marrow. Paul, a 60-year-old from Sheffield, was diagnosed with the condition nearly two years ago following fractures in his back caused by the cancer. After undergoing a bone marrow transplant last year, he experienced a relapse around Christmas. Subsequently, he was enrolled in an early access program for the new therapy, belantamab mafodotin, and achieved remission within a few weeks of treatment.
This next-generation therapy, belantamab mafodotin, binds a potent chemotherapy drug to an antibody, mimicking the body’s natural defense mechanisms against infections. These modified antibodies are engineered to identify specific markers on the surface of cancerous plasma cells, enabling them to infiltrate the cancer cells and unleash their toxic payload to eradicate the diseased cells. The concept of Trojan horse therapy draws inspiration from the ancient Greek legend of the wooden horse used to penetrate the city of Troy.
The introduction of this new therapy marks a significant milestone in myeloma treatment, offering hope to approximately 1,500 patients annually in the UK for whom conventional therapies have proven ineffective. Prof Peter Johnson, the national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, emphasizes the importance of extending periods free from the disease and its associated symptoms to individuals grappling with myeloma. While the therapy represents a major advance in cancer care, it is not without side effects, such as dry eyes and blurred vision due to the release of residual chemotherapy post-destruction of cancer cells
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