What is the drug for multiple myeloma?
Pomalyst (pomalidomide) is an oral treatment for multiple myeloma indicated, in combination with dexamethasone, for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor.
What is multiple myeloma and how does it develop?
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that forms in plasma cells (also called mature B-lymphocytes), which are a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow. These plasma cells produce a specific type of antibody that helps to fight infections. Myeloma develops when plasma cells undergo a cancerous change and turn into myeloma cells.
What is plasma myeloma?
Plasma cells make antibodies against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows.
What is another name for multiple myeloma?
Other names: Cancer, Malignant Plasmacytoma; Cancer, Multiple Myeloma; Cancer, Plasma Cell Dyscrasia; Cancer, Plasma Cell Myeloma; Malignant Plasmacytoma; Myeloma, Multiple; Plasma Cell Dyscrasia; Plasma Cell Myeloma; Plasmacytoma of Bone.
When was thalidomide used for myeloma?
Thalidomide was first used to treat multiple myeloma in 1997. It was officially approved for use in treating myeloma in combination with the steroid dexamethasone in 2006.
What is the first-line of treatment for myeloma?
Velcade (bortezomib) An IV drug (usually administered subcutaneously) given to patients as a first-line treatment, and also used to treat patients with relapsed disease. Velcade is often given in combination with other drugs and can be given to patients who have previously received Velcade.
When was Revlimid first approved?
On February 22, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved lenalidomide (Revlimid, Celgene Corp.) as maintenance therapy for patients with multiple myeloma following autologous stem cell transplant.
What is the most common treatment for multiple myeloma?
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs kill fast-growing cells, including myeloma cells. High doses of chemotherapy drugs are used before a bone marrow transplant.
What is the gold standard treatment for multiple myeloma?
In the United States, the gold standard of care today is then the combination of an immune modulator drug, such as lenalidomide, with a proteasome inhibitor, such as bortezomib, and corticosteroids. Patients who receive these drugs have almost 100% response rate, so their symptoms improve quickly.
What is the newest treatment for multiple myeloma?
The latest approval is for the combination of daratumumab plus hyaluronidase-fijh (Darzalex Faspro) plus carfilzomib (Kyprolis) and the steroid dexamethasone for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received one to three prior treatments.
What was Revlimid originally used for?
Revlimid, also known as lenalidomide, is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It is part of a class of drugs called immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), which work against cancer cells partly by supporting the function of the immune system.
How long has Revlimid been on the market?
first started marketing the drug Revlimid to treat multiple myeloma in 2006, the price was $6,195 for 21 capsules, a month's supply. By the time David Mitchell started taking Revlimid in November 2010, Celgene had bumped the price up to about $8,000 a month.
What is Revlimid and how does it compare to thalidomide?
Lenalidomide (Revlimid, Celgene) is a thalidomide derivative introduced in 2004 as an immunomodulatory agent for the treatment of various cancers such as MM, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and lymphoma.
What is the average remission time for multiple myeloma?
In some cases, a person could relapse within 12 months, while in other cases, they might not relapse for a significantly longer period of time. In a 2016 study of 511 patients, researchers found that the average time to relapse was about 26 months.
Is multiple myeloma curable 2021?
While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, the cancer can be managed successfully in many patients for years.
How long can you stay on Revlimid?
Revlimid is typically prescribed with the medication dexamethasone (Hemady). You'll usually continue with this dosage in 28-day cycles. And you'll likely keep taking Revlimid for as long as you tolerate the drug. If your condition worsens, your doctor may recommend stopping treatment.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat multiple myeloma?
Revlimid ( lenalidomide) Revlimid® (lenalidomide), an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD®), is the first oral medication that was developed for treatment of multiple myeloma. It is used in the newly diagnosed, maintenance therapy, and relapsed and/or refractory settings.
How Is Revlimid Given?
Revlimid is given as a once daily capsule that is swallowed with water.
What is the goal of the Revlimid Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy?
The goals of the Revlimid Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (known as Revlimid REMS™) are as follows: To prevent the risk of embryo-fetal exposure to the drug. To inform prescribers, patients, and pharmacists on the serious risks and safe-use conditions for Revlimid.
How long after stopping Revlimid can you donate blood?
Do not donate blood at any time during treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping Revlimid, incase your blood is given to a pregnant or breastfeeding female.
Does dexamethasone cause blood clots?
Patients with multiple myeloma who take Revlimid in combination with dexamethasone increase the risk of developing blood clots. Heart attacks and strokes are also more frequent in people who take Revlimid with dexamethasone. For more information on DVT, visit Heart and Lung Complications.
Does Revlimid help with inflammation?
Revlimid has multiple actions, including both anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. It induces immune responses, prevents inflammation, and enhances the activity of immune cells—specialized white blood cells known as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Revlimid also prevents the formation of new blood vessels ...
Can dexamethasone cause nausea?
It is important to be aware that additional toxicities can occur with this combination versus Revlimid alone. Side effects that may occur with Revlimid and dexamethasone include muscle weakness, anxiety, agitation, cardiac arrhythmias, nausea , increased blood sugar, elevated liver enzymes, and constipation and/or diarrhea. The use of dexamethasone in myeloma is discussed in a separate IMF booklet, Understanding Dexamethasone and Other Steroids.
What tests are used to diagnose multiple myeloma?
The following tests may be used during the diagnosis of multiple myeloma: Blood tests (CBC) to look for blood cell counts and certain proteins. Urine tests to also look for proteins. Bone marrow biopsy to look for myeloma cells. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT or positron emission tomography (PET)
How is Multiple Myeloma Diagnosed?
However, in some cases, your doctor might suspect multiple myeloma based on a blood or urine test taken for another reason.
What is the abnormal protein in myeloma cells?
This causes bones to become weaker and more brittle, which mean they fracture more easily. Myeloma cells also produce an abnormal type of immunoglobulin that can be detected in the blood. This immunoglobulin may also be called monoclonal immunoglobulin, myeloma protein, or simply M protein.
What cells are secreted by myeloma cells?
These crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making antibodies and other blood cells, such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. Myeloma cells secrete chemicals that stimulate osteoclasts (which are cells that break down bone, removing calcium).
How does myeloma develop?
Myeloma develops when plasma cells undergo a cancerous change and turn into myeloma cells. These myeloma cells multiply randomly and without order, forming collections of cells called tumors that accumulate most commonly in the bone marrow and on the surfaces of different bones in the body.
Can multiple myeloma cause bruising?
Early in the disease process, multiple myeloma may not cause any symptoms, and even after diagnosis, treatment may not be needed immediately. But as it progresses, symptoms of multiple myeloma can include: Bone pain, often in the back and ribs. Extreme fatigue. Easy bruising due to low platelets.
What is multiple myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells. This disease can present a variety of challenges,...
What is the cause of myeloma?
Myeloma-associated bone disease is caused by the loss of bone calcium and bone strength. Bone is naturally remodeled over a person’s lifetime. Osteoclasts are cells that absorb and degrade bone tissue. Osteoblasts are cells that create new bone tissue. This process is normally well balanced — destruction and creation leave the bone in the same overall state. In people who have multiple myeloma, however, the osteoclasts can degrade bone faster than the osteoblasts can replace it. This can lead to the breakdown and softening of bone tissue in any part of the body, including the jaw and teeth.
How long does it take for bisphosphonate to heal?
It is defined as jaw lesions (exposed oral bones) that do not heal within six to eight weeks of appropriate treatment.
What is myeloma team?
MyMyelomaTeam is the social network for people living with multiple myeloma and their loved ones. On MyMyelomaTeam, more than 12,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with multiple myeloma.
What percentage of people with multiple myeloma have osteolytic lesions?
Osteolytic lesions (areas of severe bone loss) are found in 70 percent to 80 percent of people diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The incidence of bone degradation continues to rise over the course of the disease. Weakened bones can lead to several problems, including dental issues. For some people with multiple myeloma, their disease directly causes oral problems such as:
Can multiple myeloma cause dental problems?
Recent medical advances have helped improve the survival rates and quality of life for people living with multiple myeloma. This condition sometimes causes dental problems, but regular visits to the dentist in coordination with an oncologist can help reduce instances of serious oral health issues.
Can multiple myeloma take a toll?
Living with multiple myeloma (MM) and undergoing treatments can take a toll on a person’s outlook...
How Does It Work?
How Is Revlimid given?
- Revlimid is given as a once daily capsule that is swallowed with water. When Revlimid is prescribed with dexamethasone, the suggested dosing is based on a 28-day dosing cycle: 1. Revlimid 25 mg every day for 21 days 2. Dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 3. No Revlimid or dexamethasone on days 23-28 When Revlimid is used as maintenance the...
Serious Side Effects
- The following serious side effects have been recorded in people taking Revlimid: 1. increased risk of death in people who have chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). 2. risk of new cancers (malignancies). 3. severe liver problems, including liver failure and death 4. tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) 5. worsening of your tumor (tumor flare reaction) 6. thyroid problems 7. risk of early death …
Common Side Effects
- You should contact your doctor if you have any side effects to this medication. The most common side effects are listed here: 1. Diarrhea 2. Itching and rash 3. Nausea 4. Constipation 5. Tiredness or weakness 6. Fever 7. Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, feet, and skin 8. Insomnia 9. Headache 10. Muscle cramps or spasms 11. Shortness of breath 12. Cough, sore throat, and other sympto…
Additional Information
- Revlimid prescribing information, including updated renal dosing guidelines
Dosing guidelines from the FDA and the EMA.