Long-term disease stabilization in a patient with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer by the addition of lenalidomide to low-dose dexamethasone and celecoxib

Abstract

Background: Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a challenge considering that most patients are elderly men with significant comorbidities. Alternative treatment strategies to cytotoxic therapy should be explored. There is evidence that the continuous administration of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitors and the immunomodulatory agents thalidomide or lenalidomide can result in longterm disease stabilization.

Case report: A 70-year-old patient with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer was treated with a combination of low-dose dexamethasone, celecoxib and subsequently lenalidomide. The patient had longterm disease stabilization for 33 months and a very good performance status despite moderate side effects, i.e. moderate Cushing's syndrome and mild laboratory hematologic toxicity.

Conclusion: The addition of lenalidomide to low-dose dexamethasone and celecoxib resulted in an impressive longterm disease stabilization of CRPC in this patient, allowing him to lead an active life with a good quality of life.