Long-term outcome with lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Leukemia. 2013 Oct;27(10):2062-6. doi: 10.1038/leu.2013.143. Epub 2013 May 7.

Abstract

The combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Len-Dex) is a commonly used initial therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Although the initial response rates and toxicity are well known, long-term outcome is not well described. We studied 286 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed MM initially treated with Len-Dex. The median (range) age at diagnosis was 63 (28-92) years, 166 (58%) patients ≤ 65 years and 175 (61%) male. The median estimated duration on Len-Dex was 5.3 months with overall response (≥ partial response) of 72%, including 26% with very good partial response or better. The median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis was not reached (NR) and the estimated 5-year survival was 71%. The median time to first disease progression, irrespective of transplant status, was 30.2 months. Overall, 143 (50%) patients underwent stem cell transplant. The median OS was NR for patients ≤ 70 years and 5.8 years for the older patients (P=0.01). The 5-year OS estimate for patients in International Staging System stage 1, 2 and 3 were 82, 65, and 44% respectively. There were 21 new second malignancies after MM diagnosis (6.6%). The median survival exceeding 7 years reflects the efficacy of novel agents. The risk of second malignancies doesn't appear to be excessive in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lenalidomide
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / mortality
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate
  • Thalidomide / administration & dosage
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Thalidomide
  • Dexamethasone
  • Lenalidomide