UK First to Offer Breakthrough Blood Cancer Drug
Thousands of blood cancer patients in England will be the first in the world to get a new “Trojan horse” drug that sneaks into cancer cells and kills them from within. The drug, called belantamab mafodotin, has been approved by NICE to treat multiple myeloma. It can slow the disease for up to three times longer than standard treatments. Given as an infusion every three weeks alongside other drugs, it works by attaching to cancer cells, entering them, and releasing a powerful toxin to destroy them.
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🔁 Reactions:
- NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer said the drug would be life-changing for patients and their families.
- Shelagh McKinlay, of cancer charity Myeloma UK, said it was fantastic to see the NHS become the first healthcare system in the world to roll out the drug.
- The health minister Karin Smyth said: “This groundbreaking therapy puts the NHS at the forefront of cancer innovation. By harnessing cutting-edge ‘Trojan horse’ technology, we’re offering new hope to blood cancer patients across the country.”
📊 Sentiment: Positive–neutral