Dr. Smith discusses the use of lenalidomide in CLL

Dr. Smith discusses the use of lenalidomide in CLL

Mitchell R. Smith, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine at George Washington University and Associate Director of Clinical Research, Division of Hematology and Oncology, GW Cancer Center, discusses the potential benefits of lenalidomide in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (LLC).

Lenalidomide has progressed in multiple myeloma and low-grade lymphoma. However, the drug first showed activity in CLL, Smith said.

In 2018, results from the Alliance CALGB 10404 phase II randomized trial showed that adding lenalidomide to fludarabine and rituximab had a 2-year progression-free survival benefit of 72%, The benefit of RF alone was 64%. Notably, six months of consolidation treatment with lenalidomide alone demonstrated a progression-free survival and overall survival benefit in the trial, Smith said. Using the drug as maintenance therapy or as an immunomodulator could provide significant benefits in CLL, Smith concluded.