Safety and efficacy of lenalidomide in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

Lenalidomide is an oral immunomodulatory drug that has helped improve outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Combination lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Len+Dex) has been shown to increase response rates and prolong survival compared with dexamethasone alone in patients with relapsed or refractory MM (RRMM). Clinical benefit may be greatest when Len+Dex is given at first relapse, and continued treatment appears to provide greater depth of response and improved survival outcomes. The most common adverse events associated with Len+Dex are cytopenias, which are predictable and manageable. Len+Dex is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, which necessitates adequate prophylaxis. The risk of second primary malignancies does not appear to be increased in patients with RRMM treated with lenalidomide-based therapy. Here we review the safety and efficacy of Len+Dex in RRMM, and provide an overview of data from Spain on the use of Len+Dex in RRMM.

What is the benefit of maintenance therapy with lenalidomide or bortezomib after autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma and what is the risk of developing a secondary primary malignancy?

An otherwise healthy 60-year-old male was diagnosed with stage II multiple myeloma by the International Staging System characterized by anemia, diffuse lytic bone lesions, IgG kappa paraproteinemia, 45% bone marrow plasmacytosis and the t(4;14) by FISH and conventional cytogenetics. The patient had a very good partial remission with initial induction therapy consisting of four 3-week cycles of bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) IV on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 plus dexamethasone 40 mg days 1-4 (all cycles), followed by a cyclophosphamide and G-CSF mobilized melphalan 200 mg/m(2) autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and experienced minimal side effects. He is doing well 60 days post-ASCT and is in a near complete remission. His oncologist recommends maintenance therapy with lenalidomide or bortezomib, but the patient is concerned about the increased risk of developing a secondary malignancy (SM), and because he has had such an encouraging response to induction therapy, he wonders if he could remain off therapy.