or is an immunotherapy drug that is a more powerful version of drugs such as and . Produced by Celgene, has been approved to be used for the treatment of individuals with myeloma who have previously been on a proteasome inhibitor treatment and also those whose myeloma began advancing within 2 months following their most recent treatment.
How Works
serves as an immunomodulator, hindering the action of myeloma cells and destroys them in numerous ways. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation reports that research has revealed that an immunotherapy drug such as attaches itself to cereblon–a protein found in myeloma cells–which causes cancer cells to die. Data from other studies also show that increased cereblon levels may ameliorate treatment results.
also vitalizes the immune system and has a positive impact on the arteries and other matter enveloping a cancer mass, which normally promote the growth of the mass. has also been proven to be effective in those with relapsed and refractory myeloma who have previously received numerous treatment protocols involving other immunotherapy drugs such as and .
The use of combined with a minimal dose of is currently a highly effective treatment approach for individuals with late-stage relapsed and refractory myeloma who have had no success with another combination therapy such as plus .
Side Effects
A patient’s myeloma stage and their medical/treatment history play a large role in what kind of side effects they may experience. used in combination with typically only causes mild side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include:
– Lethargy and faintness
– A drop in red and white blood cell counts
– Stomach and digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
– Breathlessness
– Fever and infections of the upper respiratory tract
– Backaches
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