Revlimid®/Dexamethasone Effective Initial Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
According to a recent article published in the journal Blood, the treatment combination consisting of Revlimid (lenalidomide) and the steroid dexamethasone is an effective option for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Revlimid, a derivative of thalidomide, is an investigational new drug that is considered to be an immunomodulatory drug (iMID). Immunomodulatory drugs work by either modifying or regulating the immune system. They appear to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects and are the focus of intense study. An immediate benefit of Revlimid is that it is taken orally.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic recently conducted another clinical trial to further evaluate the treatment combination consisting of Revlimid plus the steroid dexamethasone as therapy for patients with multiple myeloma. This trial included 34 patients and was the first trial to evaluate this treatment combination in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Treatment with Revlimid/dexamethasone resulted in high anticancer responses—91% of patients achieved a regression of their cancer. The most common severe side effect associated with treatment regimen was fatigue.
The researchers concluded that Revlimid plus dexamethasone provides high anticancer responses as initial therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Furthermore, this treatment regimen is generally well tolerated in comparison to standard therapies for this disease. Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma may wish to speak with their physician regarding the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial further evaluating Revlimid or other promising therapeutic strategies. Two sources of information regarding ongoing clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) and www.cancerconsultants.com.
Reference: Rajkumar S, Hayman S, Lacy M, et al. Combination therapy with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (REV/DEX) for newly diagnosed myeloma. Blood. 2005. E-Pub ahead of print. DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-07-2817
Revlimid, a derivative of thalidomide, is an investigational new drug that is considered to be an immunomodulatory drug (iMID). Immunomodulatory drugs work by either modifying or regulating the immune system. They appear to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects and are the focus of intense study. An immediate benefit of Revlimid is that it is taken orally.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic recently conducted another clinical trial to further evaluate the treatment combination consisting of Revlimid plus the steroid dexamethasone as therapy for patients with multiple myeloma. This trial included 34 patients and was the first trial to evaluate this treatment combination in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Treatment with Revlimid/dexamethasone resulted in high anticancer responses—91% of patients achieved a regression of their cancer. The most common severe side effect associated with treatment regimen was fatigue.
The researchers concluded that Revlimid plus dexamethasone provides high anticancer responses as initial therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Furthermore, this treatment regimen is generally well tolerated in comparison to standard therapies for this disease. Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma may wish to speak with their physician regarding the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial further evaluating Revlimid or other promising therapeutic strategies. Two sources of information regarding ongoing clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) and www.cancerconsultants.com.
Reference: Rajkumar S, Hayman S, Lacy M, et al. Combination therapy with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (REV/DEX) for newly diagnosed myeloma. Blood. 2005. E-Pub ahead of print. DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-07-2817
posted by gwg at 5:13 PM
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