Immunomodulatory analogues of thalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
The design of innovative, more effective, less toxic therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) is emerging in parallel to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of this common hematologic malignancy. Thalidomide has changed the treatment paradigm for patients with myeloma. Its efficacy, however, has been compromised to some degree by its side effects. Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are structural and functional analogues of thalidomide that were specifically designed to produce new agents with enhanced immunomodulating and anticancer properties but with less toxicity. In this article, we review the clinical trial development of second-generation IMiDs lenalidomide and CC-4047. Both agents demonstrate potent activity with manageable toxicities and provide another treatment opportunity for patients with MM.
Suppiah
Revathi
R
Cleveland Clinic Multidisciplinary Multiple Myeloma Research Program, OH 44195, USA.
Srkalovic
J Gordan
JG
Hussein
Mohamad A
MA
D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D000077269:Lenalidomide; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013792:Thalidomide; C467566:pomalidomide; D000077269:Lenalidomide