Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug that has shown higher potency than other thalidomide analogues. This anti-cancer medication was first intended for multiple myeloma treatment but later got approval from the FDA to be used in patients with blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes.
How does it work?
The efficacy and mechanism of action of lenalidomide depend on the status of one’s immune status and also the disease. It works as an immunomodulatory agent that modifies the working of the immune system.
Our immune system is made of various cellular components (NK cells, T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells) along with antibodies and cytokines.
As one of the most effective multiple myeloma medications, Lenalidomide activates the number of NK cells and T cells while also inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases the production of post-inflammatory cytokines.
Blood vessels are needed to carry oxygen to normal as well as cancerous tissues and this process is known as angiogenesis. The growth of tumor cells requires the formation of new blood vessels within the tumor. This drug stops the tumor cells from making their blood vessels and also blocks the working of chemicals that these cells use to multiply.
How is it given?
Lenalidomide 25 mg or any strengths comes as capsules that can be taken by mouth. You need to swallow the whole capsule with a glass of water. Do not split or chew them.
For adults, taking lenalidomide 25 mg in combination with dexamethasone once daily can stop the disease progression.
However, if you are taking this medication to treat myelodysplastic disease, lenalidomide 10 mg orally once every day is sufficient based on a clinical finding.
If you miss a dose, do not double the dose the next time you take it. Consult your doctor to find what would be the ideal dosage for you based upon your blood count.
What precautions to take?
- Make sure you tell your doctor what other medications you are currently taking.
- Consult your doctor first before receiving any vaccination or immunization.
- Like thalidomide, lenalidomide is also known to cause severe birth defects. If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, you must not take this medication.
- Women should not breastfeed while they are on this medication as it may cause harm to the infant.
- Women must use contraception during medication and also 4 weeks before and after the treatment begins.
- Men are required to use contraceptive methods during the treatment and at least 1 week after the treatment ends.
What are the side effects of lenalidomide?
If you are taking this medication for myelodysplastic disease or multiple myeloma treatment, you may face the following common side effects:
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Low platelet count
Here are the less common side effects that surface in less than 30% of patients:
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Infection
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Breathlessness
- Nose bleed
- Anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- High fever
Contact your health care provider when these side effects won’t go away or become severe. If you experience any unusual reaction to this medicine, make sure you tell your doctor within 24 hours.
Storage: Care should be exercised in the handling of lenalidomide capsules. The capsules should be avoided to be opened or crushed. In case powder from lenalidomide contacts the skin, wash the skin promptly and thoroughly through soap and water. In case lenalidomide contacts the mucous membranes, it should be flushed thoroughly through water. This medication should be stored at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
FAQ's
What is lenalidomide?
Lenalidomide, also popular as Revlimid, is an immunomodulatory agent. It is chemically linked with 2-other IMiDs used in order to treat myeloma named thalidomide and pomalidomide.
How is lenalidomide given?
Lenalidomide comes in order to be given orally (in tablet form), usually for 21-days followed by a seven-day rest. This constitutes a single 28-day cycle and treatment is recommended as continuous treatment, instead of in a fixed number of cycles, until the myeloma shows symptoms it is beginning in order to come back.
How will I know if lenalidomide has worked and what response should I expect?
In order to know how good you respond to the treatment, tests need to be carried out at the regular basis. Whilst on lenalidomide treatment, this usually happens at initiation of a new treatment cycle.
What are the possible lenalidomide side effects and how are they managed?
As with all existing drugs, lenalidomide has several possible side effects. These side effects may vary from patient to patient and can be mild to more serious. As these side effects can usually be managed, it is necessary to highlight them quickly to your healthcare practitioner.
Does lenalidomide cause second cancers?
There have been findings of a few myeloma patients who participated in clinical trials involving lenalidomide developing a second new cancer (a second primary malignancy).
NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about "Lenalidomide: Anti-Cancer Drug Therapy for Multiple Myeloma" in this article is just for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of an experienced or qualified healthcare professional.
