Lenalidomide plays a critical role in managing newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), serving as both a first-line and maintenance therapy for patients who are transplant-eligible and ineligible. While effective, optimizing lenalidomide use requires personalized treatment plans that consider patient-specific factors, dosage adjustments, and the management of side effects.

Clinical trials have established lenalidomide’s effectiveness in enhancing progression-free and overall survival in NDMM patients, regardless of transplant eligibility. It is particularly beneficial as a first-line therapy for patients who are transplant-ineligible and as maintenance therapy post-autologous stem cell transplantation, significantly improving survival rates. To mitigate the risk of infections and other adverse effects associated with its use, strategies such as intravenous immunoglobulin supplementation are recommended. This approach not only maximizes clinical benefits but also customizes care to meet the individual needs of patients, balancing treatment efficacy with toxicity management.

Reference: Merz M, Dechow T, Scheytt M, Schmidt C, Hackanson B, Knop S. The clinical management of lenalidomide-based therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Ann Hematol. 2020 Aug;99(8):1709-1725. doi: 10.1007/s00277-020-04023-4. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32296915; PMCID: PMC7340649.