[Lenalidomid (Revlimid) in the treatment of multiple myeloma--first experience in the Czech Republic]

Cas Lek Cesk. 2008;147(12):623-6.
[Article in Czech]

Abstract

The prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM) has substantially improved during last decades due to new, so-called targeted drugs--proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs (ImiDs), thalidomide and lenalidomide. They could be used in various combinations and/or sequentially thanks to different mechanism of action and toxicity. Both bortezomib and thalidomide are widely used in Czech republic, however, lenalidomide was approved for the treatment of MM (and MDS) at the very latest and its usage is limited due to high costs, as well. According to the results of clinical trials lenalidomide is effective in myeloma refractory to various therapy including other new drugs. First time in the Czech republic the combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone was given in our center to 2 patients with relapsed myeloma as 7th and 10th line of therapy. Acceptable results of treatment with improved clinical status in the first patient enabled to suspend his therapeutic plasmaferesis. Disease stabilization lasting three months was observed also in the second patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lenalidomide
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Thalidomide
  • Lenalidomide