NHS England roll out new drug therapy for blood cancer
- Jun 3, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: May 1
England is now the first country worldwide to routinely offer a revolutionary new treatment called belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep) on the NHS for multiple myeloma, a type of incurable blood cancer. This “Trojan horse” therapy uses an antibody–drug conjugate which targets cancer cells by delivering a toxic payload directly inside them minimising harm to healthy cells.
Why It’s A Big Deal: Administered via infusion every three weeks, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone.
Clinical trials (the DREAMM‑series): shows it can delay disease progression for around three years, compared to just one year with previous standard treatments.
About 1,500 patients a year in England are expected to benefit, specifically those whose myeloma has relapsed or become resistant to frontline therapy.
Voices from the front line
Paul Silvester, 60 (Sheffield), shared that within two to three weeks after his first dose he achieved remission, remarking that it “brought the party balloons back” to his life letting him look forward to his daughter’s university graduation in October.
NHS England’s Cancer Director, Prof Peter Johnson, says this treatment “could be life‑changing” and highlights the NHS’s strategy of securing rapid, ground breaking therapies at cost-effective prices.
Myeloma UK and NICE also emphasise how the UK is once again leading the world in cancer innovation.
A Note on Safety: Patients will undergo routine eye check-ups because of potential ocular side effects, including blurred vision and dry eyes, linked to the drug’s mechanism.
What you should know
Same cancer, brand-new weapon: This isn’t a cure, but a more effective way to hold the disease at bay for longer.
First in the world: The NHS is leading the way, giving eligible patients access before anywhere else in the world.
Real impact: Stories like Paul’s show genuine quality-of-life improvements in a matter of weeks.
Chief challenge: Visual side effects require ophthalmology input, a coordination test for hospitals.