Practical guidance on the clinical management of ocular adverse events associated with belantamab mafodotin in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Recommendations from a Japanese expert panel

Background Multiple myeloma is a significant cause of mortality, and treatments for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma have limited efficacy. Treatment regimens with belantamab mafodotin have demonstrated significant improvement in progression-free survival compared with current standard-of-care regimens but have been associated with an increased risk of ocular adverse events (OAEs). These practice guidelines aim to provide recommendations to support Japanese clinicians in managing OAEs and facilitate confidence in the use of belantamab mafodotin. Methods An expert panel of Japanese haematologists/oncologists and ophthalmologists convened to discuss and agree on the recommendations for managing OAEs in patients treated with belantamab mafodotin. Results The expert panel identified four key themes and 13 clinical questions to guide the recommendations for managing belantamab mafodotin–related OAEs in the real-world setting in Japan. The four key themes were: (i) identification of OAEs associated with belantamab mafodotin treatment; (ii) management and dose modification of belantamab mafodotin treatment for OAEs; (iii) multidisciplinary collaboration for effective management of ocular events; and (iv) a patient-centred approach to the management of OAEs. Conclusions The recommendations in these practice guidelines build on published clinical trial evidence and the practical experience of the expert panel to help Japanese clinicians make informed treatment decisions in the management of multiple myeloma in the real-world setting.