mandira

Lenalidomide (Revlimid) plus Dexamethasone can Delay Progression of Smoldering Myeloma to Active Multiple Myeloma

From the last decade or so, patients diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma have had numerous treatment options thanks to the introduction of new therapies such as Thalidomide, Lenalidomide, and Bortezomib and the availability of high-dose treatment. This has resulted in better appreciation of the possibility of this yet, incurable disease and it’s effective management. However, more work needs to be done in developing better treatment regimens and newer drugs. Several clinical trials (find Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials) are underway to push the boundaries of existing treatments for Multiple Myeloma and one such clinical trial points to an effective treatment regimen

According to a Phase III Clinical Study by Celgene, early treatment of high-risk asymptomatic smoldering multiple myeloma patients with a combination of Lenalidomide (REVLIMID) and Dexamethasone in  can prolonged time to progression to symptomatic disease compared to patients that did not receive treatment.

Smoldering myeloma is a slow-growing type of multiple myeloma or myeloma plasmacytoma and it is often diagnosed by a chance finding on a blood test. The patients with smoldering myeloma do not have the anemia, bone lesions, kidney failure or other symptoms of active Multiple Myeloma. However, this silent phase of the disease increases the level of the monoclonal protein in the blood or urine and raises number of myeloma cells in the bone marrow.

The Clinical study mentioned above showed that patients who were treated with REVLIMID and dexamethasone for nine four-week cycles and then continued treatment with a lower dose of REVLIMID had delayed progression to full disease. 

Lenalidomide, now marketed as Revlimid by Celgene Corporation is a derivative of Thalidomide. It is used in the treatment for multiple myeloma, for which thalidomide is also an accepted therapeutic treatment.

However,  though its good news that this combination treatment delays progression to active Myeloma disease, I am still not sure, whether a reduction in the risk of disease progression means overall lower risk of death. Hmm….  What you think?

Related posts:

  1. Celgene Revlimid Study Shows Success Slowing Down The Onset Of Symptomatic Multiple Myeloma In Smoldering Multiple Myeloma Patients
  2. Treatment Options and Strategies for Multiple Myeloma (Active, Relapsed and Smoldering)
  3. American Society of Clinical Oncology Recognizes Revlimid As One Of The Year’s "Most Notable Advances."
  4. Ongoing Study Proves Carfilzomib Works Extremely Well When Combined With Revlimid & Dexamethasone
  5. New Data At ASH Supports Using Revlimid As Maintenance Therapy Post SCT
  • http://www.myownwebtool.com Ross Parbs

    I simply want to mention I am newbie to blogs and honestly liked your web blog. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You certainly have good posts. Many thanks for revealing your web page.