Ishita Roy

What Are Measles? Everything You Need To Know About Them

Measles, What Are They?

<span>Measles</span> is a highly contagious virus that can cause life-threatening health issues. Safeguarding public health requires an understanding of measles definition, symptoms, transmission, and preventative strategies.

The measles virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, is the cause of measles. Though it can happen at any age, children are usually affected. It is well known that the virus may spread quickly, particularly in areas where vaccination rates are poor.

Usually starting 10 to 14 days after virus contact, measles symptoms manifest. Early signs are similar to those of a cold and can include:

<ul><li>Excessive temperature </li><li>Cough</li><li>Watery, red eyes (conjunctivitis) </li><li>Runny nose</li></ul>

A characteristic red rash appears a few days later; it usually begins on the face and moves lower. The rash frequently goes away in the same order as it first developed, lasting roughly a week.

When an infected individual coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets are released into the air, spreading the measles. Additionally, if an infected person leaves the area, the virus may continue to circulate for up to two hours. In busy or enclosed areas, like schools or public transportation, it is simple to get measles since the virus may survive on surfaces for several hours.

From around four days before to the rash developing until four days following, an individual with measles is contagious. The possibility of the virus spreading to other people is increased by this prolonged infectious period, especially to individuals who are immune system weakened or have not received the vaccination.

Although measles often resolves without major complications, it can cause serious health problems, especially in young children and adults with compromised immune systems. Possible issues consist of:

<ul><li>Ear infections </li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Pneumonia</li><li>Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that may result in death or long-term neurological damage</li></ul>

Vaccination is the most reliable method of measles prevention. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are usually given:

<ul><li>Between the ages of 12 and 15 months, the first dose is administered.</li><li>Between the ages of 4 and 6, the second dosage is given.</li></ul>

Vaccination reduces the transmission of the virus within communities by protecting the individual as well as fostering herd immunity. In order to stop outbreaks, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that at least 95% of the populace receive vaccinations.

Measles outbreaks continue to happen even with the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, especially in places with poor vaccination rates. These outbreaks are caused by a number of factors, such as limitations to healthcare access, vaccine hesitancy, and false information about vaccine safety.

The main goals of public health programs include dispelling myths and raising awareness of the value of vaccinations. Controlling the spread of measles requires close observation of outbreaks and prompt response.

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What Are The Symptoms Of JN.1 COVID-19 Strain?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause life-threatening health issues. Safeguarding public health requires an understanding of measles definition, symptoms, transmission, and preventative strategies.Measles: What is it?The measles virus, which belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, is the cause of measles. Though it can happen at any age, children are usually affected. It is well known that the virus may spread quickly, particularly in areas where vaccination rates are poor.Measles SymptomsUsually starting 10 to 14 days after virus contact, measles symptoms manifest. Early signs are similar to those of a cold and can include:Excessive temperature CoughWatery, red eyes (conjunctivitis) Runny noseA characteristic red rash appears a few days later; it usually begins on the face and moves lower. The rash frequently goes away in the same order as it first developed, lasting roughly a week.TransferWhen an infected individual coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets are released into the air, spreading the measles. Additionally, if an infected person leaves the area, the virus may continue to circulate for up to two hours. In busy or enclosed areas, like schools or public transportation, it is simple to get measles since the virus may survive on surfaces for several hours.From around four days before to the rash developing until four days following, an individual with measles is contagious. The possibility of the virus spreading to other people is increased by this prolonged infectious period, especially to individuals who are immune system weakened or have not received the vaccination.DifficultiesAlthough measles often resolves without major complications, it can cause serious health problems, especially in young children and adults with compromised immune systems. Possible issues consist of:Ear infections DiarrhoeaPneumoniaEncephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that may result in death or long-term neurological damagePreventionVaccination is the most reliable method of measles prevention. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are usually given:Between the ages of 12 and 15 months, the first dose is administered.Between the ages of 4 and 6, the second dosage is given.Vaccination reduces the transmission of the virus within communities by protecting the individual as well as fostering herd immunity. In order to stop outbreaks, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that at least 95% of the populace receive vaccinations.Public Health and OutbreaksMeasles outbreaks continue to happen even with the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, especially in places with poor vaccination rates. These outbreaks are caused by a number of factors, such as limitations to healthcare access, vaccine hesitancy, and false information about vaccine safety.The main goals of public health programs include dispelling myths and raising awareness of the value of vaccinations. Controlling the spread of measles requires close observation of outbreaks and prompt response.

what are measles? everything you need to know about them

Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Social Media Isn’t Just Addictive—It’s Potentially Depressing Your Teen, Study Finds

Health & Wellness

ai therapy gone wrong: psychiatrist reveals how chatbots are failing vulnerable teens

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Can Low Calorie Diet Impact Your Mental Health?

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Lack Of Sleep Can Alter A Teen's Brain And Also Cause Behavioral Issues: Study

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smartphone tool can now detect early warning signs of huntington’s disease in 5 minutes, finds study

On the surface, social media is just a harmless distractiona virtual playground where teens bond over memes, music, and makeup tips but behind filters and faddish trends, there is a deepening concern for <span>mental health</span>. Emerging evidence indicates that for preteens, scrolling through carefully crafted lives may not only define them it could be quietly undermining their emotional health. A new study now verifies what many mental health professionals and parents have long suspected: social media isn't only addictive—it's potentially driving a more profound wave of depression in today's kids.

Social media is a daily habit for many teenagers and preteens. With TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat dominating their screen hours, it has become their primary platform for expression, entertainment, and social interaction but beneath the endless scrolling and viral memes is a mounting public health issue: rising data indicates social media use is correlated with rising depression rates among young users. A recent study from UC San Francisco puts this issue into sharper relief, indicating that social media does not just mirror mental illness in children—it could potentially be causing it.

A study led by Dr. Jason Nagata of the Department of Pediatrics at UCSF and published in JAMA Network Open tracked close to 12,000 children ages 9 through 13. By using within-person longitudinal data, researchers could tease out the cause-and-effect link between depression and social media use. What they found was, in a word, sobering: while social media usage went up from seven minutes a day to 73 minutes every three years, symptoms of depression increased by 35%. Most importantly, the study explained that although greater social media usage had resulted in greater depressive symptoms, the opposite was not the case—already-existing depressive symptoms did not cause a rise in screen time.

<h2>Hidden Risks Lurking Behind the Screen</h2>

Why does social media exert such a strong influence on preteen mental health? While the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, researchers suspect several culprits. One is cyberbullying—a separate study by Nagata and his team, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, found that 11- to 12-year-olds who experienced cyberbullying were over 2.6 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts within a year. Alarmed, they were also much more likely to use substances like marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol.

Another contributing factor is disturbed sleep. The blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin levels, and emotionally stimulating content can make it hard for young users to relax at night. Poor sleep over time is very closely linked to deteriorating mental health, adding to the stress of social media use.

<h2>What is the Paradox of Connection?</h2>

Even with the bad data, social media also serves as the place where kids make and sustain friendships. During a post-pandemic era in which in-person socialization was curtailed, a number of adolescents became dependent upon social media as a lifeline. The paradox, therefore, exists in balancing the psychological detriment against the real social benefits of such sites.

This paradox is a challenge to parents, caregivers, and policymakers. Forcing adolescents away altogether is unrealistic or counterintuitive. Proactive, subtle approaches to healthier involvement are the recommendations of experts instead.

<h2>How Parents Can Take Charge and Change?</h2>

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the use of tools such as the Family Media Plan, which promotes open discussion and clear boundaries around screen time. "Just telling kids to 'get off your phone' doesn't really work," says Dr. Nagata. "Parents can model the way with open, nonjudgmental discussions."

<ul><li>Assigning screen times, e.g., family meals or bedtime.</li><li>Promoting activities that are free from technology and emphasize physical and emotional health, e.g., sports, arts, or journaling.</li><li>Watching for indicators of digital distress—mood swings, withdrawal from social interactions, and disruption of sleep patterns.</li></ul>

Assisting children to critically assess the information they consume, especially in terms of body image and diet fads like the recently prohibited #skinnytok on TikTok.

With over 2.4 million users of TikTok in Tennessee alone, and millions more across the country, social media is obviously not going anywhere. That doesn't mean, however, that its dangers need to be dismissed. Research such as that by UCSF is a much-needed wake-up call, compelling families as well as tech firms to recognize the mental health cost of social sites.

From inaccessible hashtags such as #skinnytok to the more subtle, mundane pressures of edited perfection, the online world is shaping the mental topography of the young in real time. Awareness, discussion, and empathy need to be at the forefront of how we steer our youngsters through this changing landscape.

The answer isn't to shut down social media, but to reimagine its place in kids' lives. Integrating scientific research with compassionate parenting and responsible technology design, we can build a world where social media supports instead of destroys because at the end of the day, it's not only about shielding our teens from depression, but empowering them with the ability to flourish, online and offline.

mental health

teen social media depression

preteens mental health

ucsf depression study

cyberbullying effects

social media risks teens

kids screen time effects

mental health and tiktok

On the surface, social media is just a harmless distractiona virtual playground where teens bond over memes, music, and makeup tips but behind filters and faddish trends, there is a deepening concern for mental health. Emerging evidence indicates that for preteens, scrolling through carefully crafted lives may not only define them it could be quietly undermining their emotional health. A new study now verifies what many mental health professionals and parents have long suspected: social media isn't only addictive—it's potentially driving a more profound wave of depression in today's kids.Social media is a daily habit for many teenagers and preteens. With TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat dominating their screen hours, it has become their primary platform for expression, entertainment, and social interaction but beneath the endless scrolling and viral memes is a mounting public health issue: rising data indicates social media use is correlated with rising depression rates among young users. A recent study from UC San Francisco puts this issue into sharper relief, indicating that social media does not just mirror mental illness in children—it could potentially be causing it.A study led by Dr. Jason Nagata of the Department of Pediatrics at UCSF and published in JAMA Network Open tracked close to 12,000 children ages 9 through 13. By using within-person longitudinal data, researchers could tease out the cause-and-effect link between depression and social media use. What they found was, in a word, sobering: while social media usage went up from seven minutes a day to 73 minutes every three years, symptoms of depression increased by 35%. Most importantly, the study explained that although greater social media usage had resulted in greater depressive symptoms, the opposite was not the case—already-existing depressive symptoms did not cause a rise in screen time.Hidden Risks Lurking Behind the ScreenWhy does social media exert such a strong influence on preteen mental health? While the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, researchers suspect several culprits. One is cyberbullying—a separate study by Nagata and his team, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, found that 11- to 12-year-olds who experienced cyberbullying were over 2.6 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts within a year. Alarmed, they were also much more likely to use substances like marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol.Another contributing factor is disturbed sleep. The blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin levels, and emotionally stimulating content can make it hard for young users to relax at night. Poor sleep over time is very closely linked to deteriorating mental health, adding to the stress of social media use.What is the Paradox of Connection?Even with the bad data, social media also serves as the place where kids make and sustain friendships. During a post-pandemic era in which in-person socialization was curtailed, a number of adolescents became dependent upon social media as a lifeline. The paradox, therefore, exists in balancing the psychological detriment against the real social benefits of such sites.This paradox is a challenge to parents, caregivers, and policymakers. Forcing adolescents away altogether is unrealistic or counterintuitive. Proactive, subtle approaches to healthier involvement are the recommendations of experts instead.How Parents Can Take Charge and Change?American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the use of tools such as the Family Media Plan, which promotes open discussion and clear boundaries around screen time. "Just telling kids to 'get off your phone' doesn't really work," says Dr. Nagata. "Parents can model the way with open, nonjudgmental discussions."Some strategies that are suggested are:Assigning screen times, e.g., family meals or bedtime.Promoting activities that are free from technology and emphasize physical and emotional health, e.g., sports, arts, or journaling.Watching for indicators of digital distress—mood swings, withdrawal from social interactions, and disruption of sleep patterns.Assisting children to critically assess the information they consume, especially in terms of body image and diet fads like the recently prohibited #skinnytok on TikTok.With over 2.4 million users of TikTok in Tennessee alone, and millions more across the country, social media is obviously not going anywhere. That doesn't mean, however, that its dangers need to be dismissed. Research such as that by UCSF is a much-needed wake-up call, compelling families as well as tech firms to recognize the mental health cost of social sites.From inaccessible hashtags such as #skinnytok to the more subtle, mundane pressures of edited perfection, the online world is shaping the mental topography of the young in real time. Awareness, discussion, and empathy need to be at the forefront of how we steer our youngsters through this changing landscape.The answer isn't to shut down social media, but to reimagine its place in kids' lives. Integrating scientific research with compassionate parenting and responsible technology design, we can build a world where social media supports instead of destroys because at the end of the day, it's not only about shielding our teens from depression, but empowering them with the ability to flourish, online and offline.

social media isn’t just addictive—it’s potentially depressing your teen, study finds

World Blood Donor Day 2025: Theme, Significance, And History

Blood Donor Day: Theme, Significance, And History

World Blood Donor Day 2025: Thinking of Donating Blood? A Doctor Answers All Your Doubts

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Every year on June 14, <span>World Blood Donor Day</span> is observed. As per the <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO), the world celebrates World <span>Blood Donor Day</span>, a global tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give others a second chance at life. 

Each time you donate blood, you’re giving more than a life-saving gift—you’re enabling critical medical tests that guide treatment and improve care. This World Blood Donor Day, remember: your donation isn’t just for emergencies, it plays a vital role in everyday healthcare too.

<h4>History of World Blood Donor Day</h4>

The World Blood Donor day dates back to 2004, when it was established by the WHO and is partners. The aim for this was to create a global recognition for he contributions of voluntary donors and to encourage safe blood practices in every country. 

Since then, it has become an essential health campaign that brings attention to the need for regular donation. The day also celebrates unsung heroes who, through this simple ac, save lives. 

<h4>World Blood Donor Day 2025 Theme</h4>

This year, as notes WHO, the theme is "Give blood, give hope, together we save lives". 

This year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign, with the slogan “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” emphasizes the life-changing role blood donors play in saving lives. It underscores the power of community and collective action, showcasing how a simple act of donating blood can create a ripple effect of hope for those in need. Through the sharing of personal stories from both recipients and donors, the campaign aims to inspire more individuals, particularly young adults, to take part in blood donation—whether as first-time donors or as regular contributors.

The campaign will feature, as WHO notes, a variety of activities to celebrate and acknowledge the efforts of blood donors. These could include commemorative events, workshops, social media initiatives, donor appreciation ceremonies, and special broadcasts to honor those who give blood. In addition, musical and artistic performances may be held to express gratitude, while impactful stories will be shared to raise awareness about the importance of <span>blood donation</span>. This year’s objectives are to increase public awareness about the critical need for blood donations, encourage both new and returning donors to donate regularly, and promote solidarity and compassion through these life-saving acts. Furthermore, the campaign seeks to rally support from governments and global partners to ensure sustainable national blood programs, aiming for universal access to safe blood transfusion worldwide.

<h4>World Blood Donor Day Significance</h4>

This day encourages more and more people to donate blood and save a life. Blood transfusions provide life-saving support, notes WHO. This is especially true for women who experience bleeding related to pregnancy and childbirth, or children who suffer from severe anemia due to malaria or malnutrition. 

Other scenarios, notes WHO, where blood transfusion helps include, complex medical procedures, patients with sickle-cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, or immune deficiency disorder, or for emergency responses, in cases of natural disasters or armed conflicts.

world blood donor day

world health organization

health news

blood donor day

blood donation

Every year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day is observed. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the world celebrates World Blood Donor Day, a global tribute to the millions of voluntary, unpaid blood donors who give others a second chance at life. Each time you donate blood, you’re giving more than a life-saving gift—you’re enabling critical medical tests that guide treatment and improve care. This World Blood Donor Day, remember: your donation isn’t just for emergencies, it plays a vital role in everyday healthcare too.History of World Blood Donor DayThe World Blood Donor day dates back to 2004, when it was established by the WHO and is partners. The aim for this was to create a global recognition for he contributions of voluntary donors and to encourage safe blood practices in every country. Since then, it has become an essential health campaign that brings attention to the need for regular donation. The day also celebrates unsung heroes who, through this simple ac, save lives. World Blood Donor Day 2025 ThemeThis year, as notes WHO, the theme is "Give blood, give hope, together we save lives". This year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign, with the slogan “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” emphasizes the life-changing role blood donors play in saving lives. It underscores the power of community and collective action, showcasing how a simple act of donating blood can create a ripple effect of hope for those in need. Through the sharing of personal stories from both recipients and donors, the campaign aims to inspire more individuals, particularly young adults, to take part in blood donation—whether as first-time donors or as regular contributors.The campaign will feature, as WHO notes, a variety of activities to celebrate and acknowledge the efforts of blood donors. These could include commemorative events, workshops, social media initiatives, donor appreciation ceremonies, and special broadcasts to honor those who give blood. In addition, musical and artistic performances may be held to express gratitude, while impactful stories will be shared to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation. This year’s objectives are to increase public awareness about the critical need for blood donations, encourage both new and returning donors to donate regularly, and promote solidarity and compassion through these life-saving acts. Furthermore, the campaign seeks to rally support from governments and global partners to ensure sustainable national blood programs, aiming for universal access to safe blood transfusion worldwide.World Blood Donor Day SignificanceThis day encourages more and more people to donate blood and save a life. Blood transfusions provide life-saving support, notes WHO. This is especially true for women who experience bleeding related to pregnancy and childbirth, or children who suffer from severe anemia due to malaria or malnutrition. Other scenarios, notes WHO, where blood transfusion helps include, complex medical procedures, patients with sickle-cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, or immune deficiency disorder, or for emergency responses, in cases of natural disasters or armed conflicts.

world blood donor day 2025: theme, significance, and history

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At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

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The England National Health Service (NHS) is the world's first healthcare system to offer a revolutionary <span>blood cancer</span> treatment called a "Trojan horse" drug. The trailblazing treatment, officially known as <span>belantamab mafodotin</span>, has the potential to add years to the lives of thousands of patients fighting multiple myeloma, a vicious and currently untreatable form of bone marrow cancer.

This innovation, now being rolled out to eligible patients throughout England, highlights the revolutionary promise of precision medicine and targeted treatments to change cancer care.

At the center of this medical innovation is belantamab mafodotin, also known as Blenrep and produced by GlaxoSmithKline. In contrast to traditional chemotherapy that gets into both healthy and cancer cells, this new medication uses a targeted approach: it binds to myeloma cells, enters them quietly, and delivers a fatal dose of chemotherapy directly within, effectively killing the malignancy from the inside out.

This "Trojan horse" metaphor comes from Greek mythology, as Greek warriors entered the city of Troy disguised within a wooden horse. In the same way, this drug corrupts cancer cells by smuggling a toxic payload into them disguised as an antibody—spared most healthy tissues in the process.

NHS England National Clinical Director for Cancer Professor Peter Johnson called the treatment "life-changing" and said, "Myeloma is an aggressive blood cancer, but the advent of belantamab mafodotin brings with it a new hope of highly extended disease control.

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cancer that arises in plasma cells present in the bone marrow. Although there are continued advances in medicine, the disease is still incurable and relapsing in nature. The majority of patients have a pattern of recurrence after remission, requiring multiple treatment lines.

Trials of belantamab mafodotin, particularly in combination with other drugs such as bortezomib and dexamethasone, have shown that the treatment can stop disease from progressing for a period of three years—three years longer than the 13-month postponement achieved with the drug of choice at present, daratumumab.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), having checked the effectiveness and value for money, accelerated approval for the rollout of the treatment. NICE director Helen Knight stated, "This recommendation shows our determination to get patients the best treatment quickly while protecting value for the taxpayer." 

The NHS rollout will first address about 1,500 patients per year in England that have relapsed or are resistant to their existing treatments. These are often those with advanced myeloma who have run out of other standard treatments.

Significantly, this represents a move toward personalized, next-generation treatments being accessible through public healthcare facilities—an accomplishment welcomed by health activists and oncologists alike.

Shelagh McKinlay, Myeloma UK's Director of Research and Advocacy, hailed the announcement: "We have campaigned aggressively for the last year to get this drug approved. It will change the lives of thousands of myeloma patients."

Paul Silvester, who is 60 and from Sheffield, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023. When ordinary treatment and even a bone marrow transplant did not halt the disease, he was put on an early-access trial for belantamab mafodotin at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

The change was almost instant," he explained. "In the first two or three weeks following the first dose, I was in remission. I like to think this treatment has brought the party balloons into the house."

Paul is now in remission and mapping out history-themed travel excursions—something he never thought he'd ever be able to do a few months ago.

<h2>How Does Belantamab Mafodotin Work?</h2>

Belantamab mafodotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a new class of cancer drugs. The drug's antibody component targets a protein (BCMA) on the outside of myeloma cells. After binding to the cancer cell, the complex is taken into the cell where it drops off a potent chemotherapy drug, essentially killing it from within.

This internal targeting results in much less collateral damage to normal cells—a major problem with standard chemotherapy—and decreases the overall treatment burden.

Although thought to be less toxic than many standard therapies, belantamab mafodotin is not without adverse effects. Patients can have dry eyes, blurred vision, and occasionally more severe ocular toxicity due to the mechanism of action of the drug leaking into surrounding tissues after cell kill.

Clinical teams are trained to monitor and manage these effects, often adjusting dosage or incorporating supportive therapies to preserve patient safety.

Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasized the significance of this development: “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.”

In fact, the move by the NHS to be the first healthcare system in the world to introduce this treatment establishes a precedent for the incorporation of high-cost, high-impact biologic therapies into national care.

With its effective implementation in England, belantamab mafodotin could soon be used as a worldwide standard of care for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. As other nations observe outcomes and cost-effectiveness trends, it is possible that health systems globally will look into implementing this Trojan horse technique.

Researchers in oncology are also looking at similar antibody-drug conjugates for other types of cancer, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancers—implying that we are just beginning to see what this technology has to give.

blood cancer

trojan horse cancer drug

belantamab mafodotin

multiple myeloma treatment

nhs blood cancer therapy

blenrep approval uk

antibody drug for myeloma

blood cancer breakthrough

The England National Health Service (NHS) is the world's first healthcare system to offer a revolutionary blood cancer treatment called a "Trojan horse" drug. The trailblazing treatment, officially known as belantamab mafodotin, has the potential to add years to the lives of thousands of patients fighting multiple myeloma, a vicious and currently untreatable form of bone marrow cancer.This innovation, now being rolled out to eligible patients throughout England, highlights the revolutionary promise of precision medicine and targeted treatments to change cancer care.How Does This Therapy Work?At the center of this medical innovation is belantamab mafodotin, also known as Blenrep and produced by GlaxoSmithKline. In contrast to traditional chemotherapy that gets into both healthy and cancer cells, this new medication uses a targeted approach: it binds to myeloma cells, enters them quietly, and delivers a fatal dose of chemotherapy directly within, effectively killing the malignancy from the inside out.This "Trojan horse" metaphor comes from Greek mythology, as Greek warriors entered the city of Troy disguised within a wooden horse. In the same way, this drug corrupts cancer cells by smuggling a toxic payload into them disguised as an antibody—spared most healthy tissues in the process.NHS England National Clinical Director for Cancer Professor Peter Johnson called the treatment "life-changing" and said, "Myeloma is an aggressive blood cancer, but the advent of belantamab mafodotin brings with it a new hope of highly extended disease control.Multiple myeloma is a plasma cancer that arises in plasma cells present in the bone marrow. Although there are continued advances in medicine, the disease is still incurable and relapsing in nature. The majority of patients have a pattern of recurrence after remission, requiring multiple treatment lines.Trials of belantamab mafodotin, particularly in combination with other drugs such as bortezomib and dexamethasone, have shown that the treatment can stop disease from progressing for a period of three years—three years longer than the 13-month postponement achieved with the drug of choice at present, daratumumab.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), having checked the effectiveness and value for money, accelerated approval for the rollout of the treatment. NICE director Helen Knight stated, "This recommendation shows our determination to get patients the best treatment quickly while protecting value for the taxpayer." Who Will Benefit?The NHS rollout will first address about 1,500 patients per year in England that have relapsed or are resistant to their existing treatments. These are often those with advanced myeloma who have run out of other standard treatments.Significantly, this represents a move toward personalized, next-generation treatments being accessible through public healthcare facilities—an accomplishment welcomed by health activists and oncologists alike.Shelagh McKinlay, Myeloma UK's Director of Research and Advocacy, hailed the announcement: "We have campaigned aggressively for the last year to get this drug approved. It will change the lives of thousands of myeloma patients."Paul Silvester, who is 60 and from Sheffield, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023. When ordinary treatment and even a bone marrow transplant did not halt the disease, he was put on an early-access trial for belantamab mafodotin at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.The change was almost instant," he explained. "In the first two or three weeks following the first dose, I was in remission. I like to think this treatment has brought the party balloons into the house."Paul is now in remission and mapping out history-themed travel excursions—something he never thought he'd ever be able to do a few months ago.How Does Belantamab Mafodotin Work?Belantamab mafodotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a new class of cancer drugs. The drug's antibody component targets a protein (BCMA) on the outside of myeloma cells. After binding to the cancer cell, the complex is taken into the cell where it drops off a potent chemotherapy drug, essentially killing it from within.This internal targeting results in much less collateral damage to normal cells—a major problem with standard chemotherapy—and decreases the overall treatment burden.Side Effects and Safety IssuesAlthough thought to be less toxic than many standard therapies, belantamab mafodotin is not without adverse effects. Patients can have dry eyes, blurred vision, and occasionally more severe ocular toxicity due to the mechanism of action of the drug leaking into surrounding tissues after cell kill.Clinical teams are trained to monitor and manage these effects, often adjusting dosage or incorporating supportive therapies to preserve patient safety.Health Minister Karin Smyth emphasized the significance of this development: “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.”In fact, the move by the NHS to be the first healthcare system in the world to introduce this treatment establishes a precedent for the incorporation of high-cost, high-impact biologic therapies into national care.With its effective implementation in England, belantamab mafodotin could soon be used as a worldwide standard of care for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. As other nations observe outcomes and cost-effectiveness trends, it is possible that health systems globally will look into implementing this Trojan horse technique.Researchers in oncology are also looking at similar antibody-drug conjugates for other types of cancer, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancers—implying that we are just beginning to see what this technology has to give.

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