Lenalidomide: a new agent for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Lenalidomide is a potent, novel thalidomide analog that has demonstrated promising clinical activity in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). It is a lead immunomodulatory drug currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and thromboembolic events are common adverse effects associated with lenalidomide therapy in patients with MM. Careful monitoring of those known serious adverse effects is essential to prevent life-threatening complications. This article discusses lenalidomide's mechanisms of action, clinical trial results, and the management of common adverse effects in patients with MM.
Tariman
Joseph D
JD
Department of Medicine's Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Medical Faculty Foundation, Chicago, IL, USA. jtariman@u.washington.edu
D000855:Anorexia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D000077269:Lenalidomide; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000139:chemically induced; D017211:Treatment Failure
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013792:Thalidomide; D000077269:Lenalidomide