title: Use of lenalidomide in treating refractory prurigo nodularis.
abstract: Prurigo nodularis is a chronic, relapsing neurodermatitis that is often resistant to standard therapies with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. Thalidomide, while efficacious in treating recalcitrant cases of prurigo nodularis, causes significant toxicity. Thalidomide-induced peripheral neuropathy frequently results in drug discontinuation. Lenalidomide (Revlimid; Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ) is a derivative of thalidomide with less neurotoxicity approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes that has not been widely studied in dermatologic disorders. Here, we report a case of refractory prurigo nodularis effectively treated with lenalidomide. Given its favorable side-effect profile, lenalidomide may offer a superior alternative to thalidomide in the treatment of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Yaqian.Liu@som.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Anthony A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Gaspari
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schleichert
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077269:Lenalidomide; D008875:Middle Aged; D011536:Prurigo / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D013792:Thalidomide; D000077269:Lenalidomide