Spotlight on Lenalidomide in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

In several countries, including the US and in Europe, oral lenalidomide in combination with oral dexamethasone is approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients (aged ≥18 years) who have received at least one prior antimyeloma therapy. The key therapeutic mechanisms of action of lenalidomide (a thalidomide analog) reside in its immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, and anti-angiogenic properties. In patients with multiple myeloma, lenalidomide has dual effects, exerting a direct antitumor response by inhibiting proliferation and by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. Lenalidomide also acts to enhance the immune system by inducing the activation of immune effector cells, such as T cells and natural killer cells, and inducing cytokine production.