Lenalidomide for Multiple Myeloma
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This randomized phase III trial studies lenalidomide to see how well it works compared to a placebo in treating patients with multiple myeloma who are undergoing autologous stem cell transplant. Giving chemotherapy before a peripheral blood stem cell transplant helps kill any cancer cells that are in the body and helps make room in the patient's bone marrow for new blood-forming cells (stem cells) to grow. After treatment, stem cells are collected from the patient's blood and stored. More chemotherapy is then given to prepare the bone marrow for the stem cell transplant. The stem cells are then returned to the patient to replace the blood-forming cells that were destroyed by the chemotherapy. Biological therapies, such as lenalidomide, may stimulate or suppress the immune system in different ways and stop cancer cells from growing. Giving lenalidomide after autologous stem cell transplant may be an effective treatment for multiple myeloma.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Lenalidomide for treating multiple myeloma?
Research shows that Lenalidomide, especially when used continuously or combined with dexamethasone, helps patients with multiple myeloma live longer without the disease getting worse. It also improves their quality of life and is generally well tolerated with fewer side effects compared to similar drugs.12345
What safety data exists for Lenalidomide (Revlimid) in humans?
How is the drug lenalidomide unique in treating multiple myeloma?
Lenalidomide is unique because it is an immunomodulatory drug that not only directly attacks cancer cells but also enhances the body's immune response against them. It is more potent and has fewer side effects than its predecessor, thalidomide, and is often used in combination with dexamethasone to improve treatment outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.123510
Research Team
Philip L McCarthy
Principal Investigator
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients with active multiple myeloma who need treatment and have responded to at least 2 months of induction therapy. They should not have had more than 12 months of prior treatments, no previous transplants, and must be able to collect enough stem cells for the procedure. Participants need good heart and lung function, controlled diabetes if present, no serious infections or HIV/Hepatitis B/C. Women of childbearing age must test negative for pregnancy and use two forms of birth control.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Mobilization
Mobilization of autologous PBSC will be performed according to institutional guidelines
Autologous PBSC Transplantation
Patients receive melphalan intravenously and undergo autologous PBSCT
Maintenance Treatment
Patients receive lenalidomide or placebo orally once daily starting between day 100-110
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Lenalidomide
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor