UHNM research-supported ‘trojan Horse’ cancer drug approved by NHS offering breakthrough myeloma treatment
Patients from across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are set to benefit from a world-first ‘trojan horse’ blood cancer drug researched and evidenced at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).
Research teams and patients from UHNM were involved in the trial phases of blenrep, a pioneering therapy that sneaks toxic drugs inside cancer cells halting the progression of myeloma by nearly three times.
Earlier this week, the drug, full name belantamab mafodotin, was given the green light to be made available on the NHS, giving hope to those diagnosed with myeloma.
UHNM was one of seven sites across the UK chosen to take part in international ‘DREAMM-7’ clinical trials over three years.
Professor Kamaraj Karunanithi, Director of Research and Innovation, who led the research, said: “We were able to recruit three eligible patients whose previous treatments for myeloma had failed and needed further therapies. We combined this new drug with pre-existing ones to determine if it is more effective than what is currently available on the NHS.
“Seeing blenrep approved by NHS England is such an incredible moment for the people who have participated in the clinical trial and for us in UHNM’s research and innovation department who have worked hard to conduct it in a rigorous and safe manner.”
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow affecting parts of the body including arms, legs and the skull.
One of the first patients to benefit from the drug was Jeffery Miller, 76.
The former engineer from Stafford was diagnosed with myeloma in 2014 and had a stem cell transplant before relapsing. After exploring different treatment options, he has since been on the new therapy under the care of Professor Karunanithi.
Jeffery said: “It’s been remarkable. At the time I was experiencing pain in my sternum, but after the first dose I was absolutely delighted the pain had disappeared. The treatment has been easy alongside my current pathway.
“Words can’t describe the standard of care from everybody involved from the receptionists to nurses administering the chemotherapy, they couldn’t do enough for you. They have supported my wife so well keeping her informed with everything going on. UHNM is in my opinion a world-class facility, and it’s marvellous to hear that its research has contributed to the drug being accepted by the NHS.”
Professor Karunanithi said: “To get to this stage is a huge achievement for all the teams involved, from the research teams who designed and set up the trial, to the delivery staff who administered the treatment, all supported by colleagues across UHNM in areas such as pharmacy, imaging and pathology.
“This is the heart of why we conduct clinical trials, to bring forward new treatment options and take meaningful steps towards one day finding a cure.”