Role of lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate lenalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).


METHODS
Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-August 2005), Science Citation Index (1980-August 2005), and Proceedings of the American Society of Hematology (2000-2004).


RESULTS
New analogs of thalidomide have been synthesized that are more potent and less toxic. Lenalidomide (CC-5013) is currently in Phase III trials for the treatment of multiple myeloma and MDS. Phase II trials demonstrated lenalidomide's efficacy in patients refractory to thalidomide. The full potential of this agent has yet to be proven, but preliminary data seem promising.


CONCLUSIONS
Lenalidomide is a potent immunomodulating drug that offers different mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple myeloma, MDS, and other malignancies.
Maier
Sara K
SK
Department of Pharmacy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710-3089, USA. sara.maier@duke.edu
Hammond
Julia M
JM
D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077269:Lenalidomide; D016239:MEDLINE; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D013792:Thalidomide; D000077269:Lenalidomide