Revlimid developed by Celgene Corp. is intended for the treatment of patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to Low- or Intermediate-1?risk myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities.

Multiple Myeloma Revlimid

Revlimid in combination with dexamethasone is used for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients who have received at least one prior therapy. The FDA approved Revlimid for the treatment of certain patients with a group of hematologic malignancies that occur when blood cells remain in an immature stage within the bone marrow. Deletion 5q is a specific type of MDS that has a defect in chromosome 5.

Revlimid in combination with dexamethasone has now been examined in a small number of newly diagnosed patients, as well as combined with other novel agents, including bortezomib (Velcade, Millennium) in relapsed, refractory myeloma. Additionally, Revlimid is being evaluated for other hematologic conditions and cancers, as well as solid tumor cancers.

Side Effects Of Revlimid

The major potential risks and side effects of Revlimid therapy includes low blood cell counts (mainly platelets and neutrophils), blood clots in the veins (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) when combined with other therapy, and possible birth defects. Although studies are continuing to determine the risk of birth defects, Revlimid does not appear likely to cause the type of rigorous birth defects noted in the past with thalidomide. However, because of its similarity to thalidomide, and some evidence of harm in unborn animals in animal testing, female patients who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant should not take Revlimid.

Cost revlimid

The relative cost of treatment with revlimid is comparatively higher than other treatments.