The safety of pomalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Pomalidomide, a derivative of thalidomide and member of the immunomodulatory drugs is licenced for use in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in Europe, USA, Canada and Japan.

Areas covered: This review details all published trials in which pomalidomide has been used in the treatment of myeloma including phase I, II and III studies via PubMed searches for randomised control trials, observational cohort, case reports, meta-analysis and reviews. In addition abstract searches from the 2015 IMW and ASH conferences have been included. Drug safety has been a main focus with additional detail outlining the current clinical experience and treatment efficacy. Drug related toxicities and management of such events are covered in detail.

Expert opinion: Pomalidomide is well tolerated and has been demonstrated to prolong progression free survival and overall survival in RRMM patients in comparison to other agents commonly used later in the disease. Treatment related toxicities are usually easily managed using treatment interruption, dose modification, prophylactic therapies and blood/platelet transfusions. There is scope for the drug to be used in combination with newer agents at disease presentation, relapse and as a long-term maintenance option. At present trials assessing its use in early disease and maintenance are lacking.

KEYWORDS:

• Multiple myeloma
• pomalidomide
• immunomodulatory
• imnovid
• relapse

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Philip Chamberlain from Celgene for development of the figures which were developed solely for this publication.

Declaration of interest

G Morgan has received honoraria, research funding and acted on advisory board for Celegene. J Jones has received travel grants and research funding from Celegene. C Pawlyn has received honoraria and travel support from Celgene. F Davies has received honoraria from Celegene. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.