Pomalidomide in the Management of Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

ABSTRACT

Pomalidomide, a very potent member of the immunomodulatory drug family, is considered a standard of care for patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma, who have previously been treated with bortezomib and lenalidomide. Pomalidomide induces both direct myeloma cell death, and indirect antimyeloma response through its impact on the microenvironment (modulation of immune response, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of bone resorption). Pomalidomide in combination with dexamethasone is an approved regimen in Europe and USA based on the results of a Phase III randomized trial. In order to improve response rate and patient survival, pomalidomide is currently being assessed in triplet combinations with other antimyeloma agents. The present review addresses current knowledge regarding the clinical use of pomalidomide in relapsed myeloma patients.

KEYWORDS:

• myeloma
• pomalidomide

Author contributions

C Touzeau and P Moreau wrote and critically reviewed the manuscript, and gave final approval.

Disclaimer

In addition to the peer-review process, with the author’s consent, the manufacturer of the product discussed in this article was given the opportunity to review the manuscript for factual accuracy. Changes were made by the author at their discretion and based on scientific or editorial merit only. The author maintained full control over the manuscript, including content, wording and conclusions.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

P Moreau is part of Celgene advisory board and received honoraria from Celgene. 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.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.