Retrospective Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Agents’ Response and Side Effects In Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients
Abstract:Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the most appropriate approaches to shape our daily practice by revealing treatment responses, side effects and side effect management of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients who were treated with immunomodulatory drugs(IMIDs).
Method:This study was carried out among the patients with multiple myeloma who underwent IMIDs between June 2001 and September 2018. General characteristics, overall survival, response rates, side effects profiles, prophylaxis used to prevent side effects of IMIDs are evaluated.
Results:The median age of 85 patients included in the study was 62 (38 – 83). Fifty (58.8%) of the patients were male. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 64 months Overall survival of the patients was 87 months (5.70; 75.83 - 98.18). Of the 85 patients included in the study, 11 received thalidomide, 78 received lenalidomide, and 15 received pomalidomide. While none of the patients receiving thalidomide was discontinued due to side effects, the dose was reduced in 1 (9.1%) patient. In 25 (32.1%) of the patients receiving lenalidomide, the drug was discontinued, while the dose was reduced in 21 (26.9%) patients. In 1 of the patients using pomalidomide, the drug was discontinued, and no dose reduction was made in any of the patients.
Conclusion:IMIDs are drugs that are frequently used in RRMM and have a pronounced response. In order to use the drugs effectively, prophylactic approaches to prevent the side effects before they are developed should be determined according to patient characteristics.
Keywords:: Relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, immunomodulatory drugs (IMIDs), lenalidomide, thalidomide, pomalidomide, effect, side effect