In February 2017, the FDA approved the oral drug Revlimid (lenalidomide) for maintenance (continuing) therapy for patients with multiple myeloma who had autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplant. Revlimid was previously approved for multiple myeloma and for other types of cancer.
“Autologous stem cell transplant after induction therapy is part of the continuum of care for transplant-eligible multiple myeloma patients. However, most patients will still see their disease recur or progress after this treatment,” said Philip McCarthy, MD, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplant Center, Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY.
The 2 trials that led to this approval showed that using Revlimid continuously after transplant significantly extends the time without disease progression. The most common side effects were low white blood cells, low platelet count, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, cold, cough, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, muscle spasm, and fever. For more information visit www.revlimid.com/mm-patient.
