Dose-adjusted Lenalidomide Combined with Low-dose Dexamethasone Rescues Older Patients with Bortezomib-resistant Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide (Len), with the dose adjusted according to the renal function, plus low-dose dexamethasone (Dex) in older patients with bortezomib (Bor)-resistant multiple myeloma (MM).
Methods The study included 68 consecutive patients 70 years of age or older diagnosed with MM at our institute and ineligible for high-dose melphalan therapy plus autologous stem cell transplantation. Fifteen older patients with relapsed or refractory MM (RRMM) previously treated with Bor-containing regimens were treated with the combination of Len plus low-dose Dex.
Results The median treatment duration was 12 months (range, 9 to 43 months), with all patients responding to Len plus low-dose Dex. All patients showed significant renal dysfunction between the beginning and end of treatment; however, the renal function improved in all cases.
Conclusion Treatment with dose-adjusted Len combined with low-dose Dex is an effective and safe therapy for older RRMM patients exhibiting renal impairment after receiving Bor-based therapies.