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Al-Ola A Abdallah: Why is Belantamab Mafodotin Called a “Trojan Horse” in Myeloma?
Jul 5, 2025, 13:32

Al-Ola A Abdallah: Why is Belantamab Mafodotin Called a “Trojan Horse” in Myeloma?

Al-Ola A Abdallah, Associate Professor and Plasma Cell Disorder Program Director of the Division of HMCT at the University of Kansas Medical Center, shared a post on X:

“NEWS: The FDA’s ODAC will meet on July 17, 2025, to review the belantamab mafodotin in combination regimens for RRMM

Why is Belantamab Mafodotin Called a “Trojan Horse” in Myeloma?

Belantamab mafodotin = an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) targeting BCMA on myeloma cells.

But it’s more than just targeted therapy — it sneaks a toxin into the cell. Here’s how. 

  • Targeting: The antibody portion binds BCMA, a surface protein heavily expressed on myeloma cells.
  • Internalization: The whole ADC is taken into the cell — much like the Trojan Horse being pulled into Troy.
  • Payload delivery: Once inside, it releases MMAF, a cytotoxic agent that disrupts the cell’s microtubules, leading to apoptosis.
  • Result:The Myeloma cell is killed from within, sparing surrounding healthy cells — just like soldiers hiding in the mythic horse.
  • This “Trojan Horse” mechanism allows for precision cytotoxicity, especially valuable in relapsed/refractory cases where other therapies fail.
  • Belantamab is making a comeback in combo therapies (e.g., with bortezomib or pomalidomide), showing OS and PFS benefits in new data.”

More posts featuring Al-Ola A Abdallah.