How to Manage Patients with Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

Although lenalidomide-based combinations, such as lenalidomide plus a proteasome inhibitor or an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, improve the overall response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival of patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), there is a tendency to use these regimens as a frontline treatment. This strategy has led to the development of refractoriness early in the disease course, usually after the patient’s first treatment. Since lenalidomide-free regimens have so far shown limited efficacy in lenalidomide-refractory patients, there is an unmet need for other treatment options. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic options available to treat the general population of lenalidomide-refractory patients (mono, double and triple refractory) and the subpopulation of patients with other high-risk features such as renal failure, extramedullary disease, and high-risk cytogenetics. Moreover, new promising individual therapies and the possible impact of immunotherapy in RRMM patients are debated.

Keywords

• multiple myeloma
• lenalidomide
• relapse
• refractory