Belantamab Linked to High Eye Toxicity in Patients With Myeloma, Study Finds

In 2020, belantamab mafodotin was given approval by the FDA for patients who have relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). In the United States, the drug was taken off the market in 2023 because the DREAMM-3 trial did not demonstrate that it helped patients survive without the disease getting worse. The results from the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 trials, published in 2024, indicated that progression-free survival improved with belantamab, which may lead the FDA to consider approving it for use again. Despite the good outcomes it offers, people are still worried about possible side effects on their eyes.

This systematic review and meta-analysis were shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 Annual Meeting, which was held from May 30 to June 3, 2025.

Experts looked at how frequently and seriously eye-related side effects occurred among patients with RRMM who received belantamab in three phase 3 clinical trials (DREAMM-3, DREAMM-7, and DREAMM-8). More than 1,100 patients were included in the study, and their eye side effects were compared with those seen in patients treated with standard myeloma treatments.

Patients who received belantamab were found to have far more eye problems than those who received other treatments. A total of 76.85% of patients who received belantamab experienced eye toxicity, which is much more than the 24.95% in the control group (risk ratio [RR], 3.30; P<0.00001). Serious adverse eye issues developed in 34.65% of patients receiving belantamab compared with just 2.03% of patients receiving other treatments (RR, 17.61; P<0.00001).

Many patients reported dry eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, eye irritation, and eye pain. Almost 60% of patients who were receiving belantamab had any-grade blurred vision, but only 10% of patients in the control group experienced this side effect. About half of the patients treated with belantamab developed dry eyes, whereas this side effect was very rare among patients in the control group.

Cataracts and the sensation of a foreign body in the eye were reported more frequently among patients treated with belantamab. Although symptoms such as severe eye pain and the sensation of something in the eye were similar between groups, many other eye-related problems were more likely to be reported by patients receiving belantamab.

The findings indicate the importance of regular eye checks and quick interventions when belantamab mafodotin is administered. The drug may help with treatment, but because of its potential to cause serious eye problems, it must be used with care. Educating patients and regularly checking their eyes, along with assistance from eye care experts, may minimize these complications and help patients continue their treatment when needed.