Lenalidomide can induce long-term responses in patients with multiple myeloma relapsing after multiple chemotherapy lines, in particular after allogeneic transplant

Leuk Lymphoma. 2011 Jul;52(7):1262-70. doi: 10.3109/10428194.2011.564695. Epub 2011 May 3.

Abstract

Evidence of long-term response to lenalidomide in heavily pretreated patients with multiple myeloma is lacking. This study sought to assess whether long-term responders exist, long-term responders' characteristics, and predictive factors of a long-term response. One hundred and four patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone after ≥2 therapy lines (median, 3) were analyzed. Long-term response was defined as at least a partial response (≥PR) lasting ≥12 months. The overall response rate was 73%, and 80.3% of the responses were achieved within 5 months. The median response was 14.3 months. Patients evaluable for long-term response numbered 87, and a total of 47% were long-term responders. Compared to non-long-term responders, long-term responders had better overall survival, less light-chain multiple myeloma, and higher incidence of t(11;14). Previous allogeneic transplant (alloSCT) and the response quality predicted a long-term response. In conclusion, patients treated with lenalidomide can become long-term responders; alloSCT and response quality predict long-term response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cytogenetics
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes / immunology
  • Lenalidomide
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology
  • Multiple Myeloma / mortality
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Thalidomide / analogs & derivatives*
  • Thalidomide / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes
  • Thalidomide
  • Dexamethasone
  • Lenalidomide