In the last couple of years major progress has been made in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) through the introduction of novel agents like thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib and pomalidomide, mostly in combination with autologous stem cell transplantation. Lenalidomide, a second-generation immunomodulatory agent with antitumor and immunomodulatory effects against MM, in combination with dexamethasone was proven to show significant clinical benefits (overall survival and progression-free survival) in Phase III trials either as induction or as maintenance therapy. With a manageable toxicity profile, lenalidomide seems to be an attractive agent in the treatment of MM. Here, we discuss the present data and research on lenalidomide in the treatment of MM.
Keywords: adverse effects; drug profile; immunomodulation; immunotherapy; lenalidomide; myeloma; pharmacokinetics.