Cyclophosphamide-glucocorticoids versus lenalidomide-dexamethasone as treatment for multiple myeloma at first relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation - a retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT There have been significant improvements in therapeutic options for relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) over the past two decades, with many novel agents including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and more recently monoclonal antibodies demonstrating efficacy in this setting. However, there is a paucity of real-world data comparing outcomes seen in patients treated with novel agents as opposed to older agents. We report a historical single center cohort of patients diagnosed with myeloma between the years 1991-2012 in order to explore possible differences in outcomes. A total of 139 patients who underwent stem cell transplantation were included in our study. In our study, 88 patients were treated with cyclophosphamide and steroids alone at relapse whereas 51 patients were treated with Len-Dex. In the multivariate analysis, TTNT was shorter for patients who received Cyclo compared to Len-Dex (HR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.01-2.99; p = 0.04); however, we could not detect an overall survival benefit (HR = 1.20; 95% CI 0.63-2.29; p = 0.57). Adverse event rates were similar in the two groups. In this retrospective single center analysis, Len-Dex was associated with longer TTNT compared with Cyclo at first relapse following autoSCT in MM; however its effect on overall survival in this setting was less clear.

Judicialização da saúde: análise dos processos judiciais do medicamento lenalidomida impetrados contra a Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de São Paulo para tratamento de mieloma múltiplo / Health's judicialization: analysis of the law-suits of the drug lenalidomide filed against the Health Department of the State of São Paulo for the treatment of multiple myeloma

O Mieloma Múltiplo é uma neoplasia maligna que acomete a medula óssea, sendo comumente diagnosticado em idosos. Para o tratamento no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) seguem-se as Diretrizes Diagnósticas e Terapêuticas do Mieloma Múltiplo do Ministério da Saúde, de 2015. O medicamento lenalidomida é um análogo da talidomida. A talidomida e lenalidomida são indicados para tratamento do mieloma. Ambos medicamentos causam efeitos teratogênicos nos fetos. A lenalidomida teve seu registro sanitário aprovado pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) para uso no país em dezembro de 2017. Os pacientes que necessitam do tratamento com o medicamento lenalidomida ingressam com processos judiciais para obtê-lo visto não constar da lista de medicamentos fornecidos pelo SUS. A diferença de preço dos dois medicamentos à base de lenalidomida fabricados e disponíveis no mundo é extremamente alta (Lenalid® e Revlimid®). No Brasil, somente o medicamento Revlimid® teve seu registro de patente junto ao Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial e seu registro sanitário deferido junto à ANVISA, sendo o único autorizado para a comercialização no país, pela regulamentação da RDC ANVISA 191/2017. Considerando a política de Assistência Oncológica no Sistema Único de Saúde, o presente trabalho visou descrever o perfil dos processos judiciais para fornecimento do medicamento lenalidomida utilizada tratamento de Mieloma Múltiplo por determinações judiciais contra a Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo. O perfil dos processos analisados confirma o observado na literatura sobre a judicialização da saúde, que, apesar de heterogênea e com características regionais, em muitos estudos, observa-se maior participação de pacientes oriundos de unidades de saúde privadas e assistentes jurídicos majoritariamente de advogados particulares. Além disso, os dados detectados/encontrados demonstraram que os pacientes são residentes em municípios com alto grau de desenvolvimento, segundo o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), o qual atua como um indicador que avalia três dimensões do desenvolvimento humano: longevidade, educação e renda. Constatou-se também, pelo perfil dos processos judiciais descritos, a predominância de pacientes do sexo masculino. Descreveram-se os aspectos de regulamentação e de controle sanitário do medicamento lenalidomida, em comparação à talidomida no Brasil, além das normativas da ANVISA vigentes sobre o controle da substância lenalidomida, diante dos riscos associados (segurança do paciente - teratogênese) e as questões relativas a patente e fenômeno de judicialização da saúde no país.

Multiple myeloma is a malignant neoplasm that affects the bone marrow and is com-monly diagnosed in the elderly. For treatment in the Unified Health System (SUS), the Ministry of Health's 2015 Myeloma Diagnostic and Therapeutic Guidelines are followed. The medication lenalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide. Thalidomide and lenalidomide are indicated for the treatment of myeloma. Both drugs have teratogenic effects on fetuses. Lenalidomide had its health record approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) for use in the country in December 2017. Patients who need treatment with the drug lenalidomide file lawsuits to obtain it since it is not on the list of drugs provided by SUS. The price difference of the two lenalidomide-based drugs manufactured and available worldwide is extremely high (Lenalid® and Revlimid®). In Brazil, only the drug Revlimid® had its patent registra-tion with the National Institute of Industrial Property and its sanitary registration granted with ANVISA, being the only one authorized for commercialization in the country, by the regulation of RDC ANVISA 191/2017. Considering the policy of Onco-logical Assistance in the Unified Health System, the present study aimed to describe the profile of the legal proceedings for the supply of the drug lenalidomide used in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma due to judicial orders against the São Paulo State De-partment of Health. The profile of the analyzed cases confirms that observed in the literature on the judicialization of health, which, although heterogeneous and with re-gional characteristics, in many studies, there is a greater participation of patients from private health units and legal assistants mostly from private lawyers . In addition, the data detected / found showed that patients are residents of municipalities with a high degree of development, according to the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), which acts as an indicator that assesses three dimensions of human devel-opment: longevity, education and income. It was also verified, by the profile of the judicial processes described, the predominance of male patients. The regulatory and sanitary control aspects of the drug lenalidomide were described, in comparison to thalidomide in Brazil, in addition to the ANVISA regulations in force on the control of the lenalidomide substance, in view of the associated risks (patient safety - teratogenesis) and the relative issues the patent and phenomenon of judicialization of health in the country.

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy and Prognosis of Long-Term Maintenance Lenalidomide Therapy in Patients with Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated by long-term maintenance lenalidomide treatment.@*METHODS@#A total of 97 patients diagnosed as MM in the Department of Hematology of First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from 2012 to 2019 were selected, and the basic clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators of the patients were tested and evaluated. After long-term maintenance lenalidomide treatment for patients with MM, the short-term and long-term clinical efficacy and the incidence of adverse reactions were evaluated, and factors affecting the prognosis of the patients were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Before maintenance treatment, 47.42% of the patients (46/97) did not achieve complete remission (CR), among 52.58% (51/97) of CR patients, there were 20.62% of the patients showed minimal residual leukemia (MRD) negative. After lenalidomide maintenance treatment, the patients who did not achieve CR were reduced to 24.74% (24/97), among 75.26% (73/97) of the patients with CR, there were 47.42% of the patients showed MRD negative, the difference showed statistically significant (P<0.001). After maintenance treatment, the median pro-gression-free survival of the patients was 58 months, and the 5-year survival rate was 89.69%. The incidence of adverse reactions was 40.21% (39/97), including neutropenia (31/39, 79.49%), fatigue (21/39, 53.85%), thrombocytopenia (17/39, 43.59%) and gastrointestinal reaction (15/39, 38.46%) were the most common. The discontinuation rate was 24.74% (24/97), and the median time for discontinuation was 21 months. The main reasons for discontinuation were neutropenia (12/24, 50.00%) , thrombocytopenia (8/24, 33.33%) and gastrointestinal reactions accounted for 8.33% (2/24). Old age and positive MRD were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of the patients. The adjusted OR was 1.43 (95% CI 1.03-1.76, P=0.034) and 3.78 (95% CI 2.56-9.56, P=0.037), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The long-term maintenance lenalidomide treatment shows a good clinical effect on patients with MM, and MRD detection can assist the cilinical judge the prognosis of the patients. During maintenance treatment, the clinical symptoms, especially blood system damage of the patients should be take care, so as to avoid serious adverse reactions.

The Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of the Patients with POEMS Syndrome / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with POEMS syndrome and explore its effective treatment strategies.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 75 patients with POEMS syndrome treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2012 to June 2018 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics, treatment regimes and outcomes of the patients were summarized.@*RESULTS@#The median age of 75 diagnosed patients was 50 (30-81) years old and 100% (75/75) of the patients were accompanied with peripheral neuropathy, 77.3% (58/75) with organ enlargement, 82.7% (62/75) with endocrine abnormality, 93.3% (70/75) with monoclonal plasma cell diseases and 64.0% (48/75) with skin changes. Among the 75 patients, 5 cases gave up treatment, while the others showed varying degrees of improvement after treatment. The hematological complete remission (CR@*CONCLUSION@#The clinical manifestations of POEMS syndrome are complex and diverse, the clinicians therefore should be vigilant to reduce the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Bortezomib or Lenalidomide can be recommended as the first-line medicines and autologous HSCT should be considered for appropriate patients.

Análise de custo por desfecho das novas terapias de combinação tripla com lenalidomida para o mieloma múltiplo recidivado/refratário no Brasil / Cost by outcomes analysis of novel triplecombination therapies with lenalidomide for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in Brazil

Objetivo: Estimar o custo de tratamento das novas terapias de combinação tripla com lenalidomida no manejo dos pacientes com mieloma múltiplo recidivado/refratário (MMRR) sob a perspectiva do sistema de saúde privado brasileiro. Métodos: Os custos associados da combinação de lenalidomida + dexametasona com carfilzomibe (KRd), daratumumabe (DRd), elotuzumabe (ERd) e ixazomibe (IRd) foram comparados. Para cada terapia, a duração de tratamento foi estimada pela média do tempo de sobrevida livre de progressão (SLP) restrita a três anos a partir de dados de SLP dos estudos pivotais das respectivas terapias. Os custos de tratamento foram estimados para a duração de tratamento, considerando a posologia específica dos regimes terapêuticos. Os preços dos medicamentos foram baseados no preço fábrica de abril de 2020. Não foi considerado o compartilhamento de doses. O custo total do tratamento, o custo médio por ciclo e o custo por taxa de resposta objetiva (TRO) em três anos foram comparados. Resultados: A duração de tratamento no período de três anos foi de 23,3, 27,6, 20,3 e 20,9 meses para KRd, DRd, ERd e IRd, respectivamente. O custo médio total de tratamento foi estimado em 975.557 reais (BRL) para KRd, 1.507.544 BRL para DRd (+55% versus KRd), 1.207.899 BRL para ERd (+24% versus KRd) e 983.917 para IRd (+1% versus KRd). KRd teve o menor custo médio por mês de SLP (horizonte de três anos) entre as terapias, 41.957 BRL versus 54.709 BRL para DRd (+30% versus KRd), 59.635 BRL para ERd (+42% versus KRd) e 47.147 para IRd (+12% versus KRd). Similarmente, o custo por TRO foi 31% menor para KRd (1.119.770 BRL), comparado ao DRd (1.621.015 BRL), 27% menor, comparado ao ERd (1.528.986 BRL), e 11% menor, comparado ao IRd (1.256.064). Conclusões: Resultados da presente análise indicam que KRd está associado a um menor custo médio de tratamento, acompanhado de maior previsibilidade, menor custo por TRO e por mês de SLP, comparado ao DRd, ERd e IRd no horizonte de três anos sob a perspectiva do sistema de saúde privado brasileiro. Os resultados estão associados com alguma incerteza em razão das diferenças nas populações dos estudos, desenho dos estudos (duração fixa de carfilzomibe vs. tratamento até a progressão para daratumumabe, elotuzumabe e ixazomibe) e porque a duração de tratamento é tipicamente menor do que a SLP.

Objective: To estimate treatment costs for novel triple-combination therapies with lenalidomide in the management of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients from the Brazilian private healthcare perspective. Methods: Treatment costs associated with lenalidomide + dexamethasone combinations with carfilzomib (KRd), daratumumab (DRd), elotuzumab (ERd) and ixazomib (IRd) were compared. For each therapy, treatment duration was estimated as the mean progression-free survival (PFS) time restricted to three years using published PFS data from pivotal trials available for these treatments. Treatment costs were estimated for the modeled treatment duration considering therapy-specific dosing schedules. Drug prices were based on April 2020 Brazilian list prices. No vial sharing was assumed. Total treatment costs, average cost per cycle, and cost per overall response rate (ORR) over the three-year period were compared. Results: Modeled treatment duration over the three-year period was 23.3, 27.6, 20.3 and 20.9 months for KRd, DRd, ERd and IRd respectively. Corresponding average total treatment costs were estimated to be 975,557 Brazilian Real (BRL) for KRd; 1,507,544 BRL for DRd (+55% versus KRd); 1,207,899 BRL for ERd (+24% versus KRd) and 983,917 for IRd (+1% versus KRd). KRd had the lowest average cost per month of restricted PFS (3-year time frame) among the therapies, 41,957 BRL versus 54,709 BRL for DRd (+30% versus KRd); 59,635 BRL for ERd (+42% versus KRd); and 47,147 for IRd (+12% versus KRd). Similarly, the cost per achieved ORR was lower for KRd (1,119,770 BRL) than that for DRd (1,621,015 BRL); ERd (1,528,986 BRL); and IRd (1,256,064) by 31%, 27% and 11%, respectively. Conclusions: Results of the present analysis indicate that KRd is associated with lower mean treatment costs and more predictable costs, lower cost per ORR and per month in PFS than DRd, ERd and IRd over a relevant three-year time horizon from the Brazilian private healthcare perspective. The results are associated with some uncertainty due to differences in trial populations, trial design (fixed duration for carfilzomib vs treatment till progression for daratumumab, elotuzumab and ixazomib) and because treatment duration is typically shorter than PFS.

Transitory response of a myelodysplastic syndrome with deletion of chromosome 5q to thalidomide. Report of one case

ABSTRACT Myelodysplastic syndrome with deletion of chromosome 5q (5q-syndrome) has a favorable prognosis and a low risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia, when treated with lenalidomide. Azacitidine leads to complete remission even as second-line therapy and in patients with clonal evolution. We report a 70 years old female without previous exposure to myelotoxic drugs, presenting with three weeks with fatigue and dyspnea. She had anemia with normal white blood cell and platelet count. Bone marrow biopsy showed 50% cellularity and the karyotype analysis revealed a (5) (q33q34) deletion in 22% of the metaphases. A diagnosis of 5q-syndrome with low risk calculated using the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), was made. Since lenalidomide was not affordable, thalidomide 100 mg/day was initiated, achieving transfusion independence for three years. Afterwards, she developed pancytopenia and a bone marrow biopsy showed erythroid and megakaryocyte dysplasia with a complex karyotype, which worsened prognosis (IPSS-R of five points). Therefore, azacitidine (by donation) was administered. She achieved complete remission with a normal karyotype and completed 12 cycles of treatment. Thereafter, she relapsed and received only supportive care for a year. She suffered an ischemic stroke and died two weeks later.

El síndrome mielodisplásico con deleción del cromosoma 5q (síndrome 5q) tiene un pronóstico favorable y riesgo bajo de transformación a leucemia aguda en pacientes que son tratados con lenalidomida (tratamiento estándar). El uso Azactidina tiene respuestas completas incluso como segunda línea de tratamiento en pacientes con evolución clonal. Presentamos una mujer de 71 años, sin exposición a mielotóxicos que debutó con un síndrome anémico. Se realizó biopsia de medula ósea que mostró celularidad del 50% y en el análisis citogenético se detectó una deleción del cromosoma 5 en 22% de las metafases analizadas, lo que llevó al diagnóstico de Síndrome 5q- de riesgo bajo de acuerdo con el puntaje IPSS-R (Revised International Prognostic Scoring System). Ya que no se pudo costear lenalidomida, se trató con talidomida (100 mg/día). Permaneció tres años sin requerir soporte transfusional. Posteriormente, presentó pancitopenia y en el nuevo aspirado de médula ósea se observó displasia de la serie roja y megacariocitos, con cariotipo complejo y peor pronóstico (IPSS-R 5 puntos). Se trató con 12 ciclos de azacitidina con lo que logró respuesta completa. Recayó 12 meses después y continuó manejo de soporte por un año. Finalmente falleció debido a un accidente vascular cerebral.

Existe beneficio en la adición de Trasplante de Progenitores Hematopoyéticos a pacientes con Mieloma Múltiple que reciben Lenalidomida en la fase de mantenimiento? / Is there benefit in adding Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to patients with Multiple Myeloma who receive Lenalidomide in the maintenance phase?

Introducción: La controversia en el beneficio de la adición de trasplante de progenitores hematopoyéticos a pacientes que reciben Lenalidomida en la fase de mantenimiento de pacientes con MielomaMúltiple está en pleno debate en la comunidad científicapor lo que el objetivo del presenteestudio fue medir la supervivencia en un grupo de pacientesen estas condiciones. Métodos:El estudio tipo observacional analítico realizado con pacientes oncológicos ingresados en el Hospital SOLCA durante el periodo de enero del 2014-mayo del 2018.Con una muestra no probabilística se seleccionaron pacientescon Mieloma Múltiple,mayores de 18 años en cuyo tratamientose incluyeLenalidomida.Grupo 1(G1): pacientes con trasplante de médula ósea, Grupo 2: pacientes no candidatos a trasplante de médula ósea.Las variablesdemográficas, clínicasdescriptivas (ISS, ECOG), supervivenciacomo variable principaly efectos secundarios.se realizó el análisis de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meyer. Resultados:Se incluyeron 23 casos en G1y 26 casos en G2.La edad en G1 53 años (Rango38-70), en G2:65 años (Rango 46-85)P=0.13. En G1 fueron 12/23(52%) hombres,en G2 fueron 15/26 (57%) P=0.93. ISS grado II 11/23(48%) en G1 y 10/26(38%) en G2 P=0.51. ECOG 2 en G1:12/23(52%) y en G2 16/26 (32%) en G2 P=0.51. La supervivencia Libre de progresión en el Grupo 1-TPH a los 24 meses de seguimientofue del 98%,en el Grupo 2 no Candidato a TPH a los 24 meses de seguimiento fue de 82%, Logrank test P=0.023.X2=5.192.La supervivencia global en el Grupo 1-TPH a los 24 meses de seguimientofue del 100%,en el Grupo 2 no Candidato a TPH a los 24 meses de seguimiento fue de 90%, Logrank test P=0.17.X2=1.846. Conclusión:En el presente estudio se demostró que la sobrevida libre de progresión es mayor en el grupo de pacientes con Mieloma Múltiple sometidos a Trasplante de Progenitores Hematopoyéticos versus el grupo de pacientes con Mieloma Múltiple que no son candidatos a Trasplante. La sobrevida global es igual en ambos grupos.

Introduction: The controversy on the benefit of adding hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to patients receiving Lenalidomide in the maintenance phase of patients with Multiple Myeloma is in full debate in the scientific community, so the objective of this study was to measure survival in a group of patients in these conditions. Methods: This analytical observational study carried out with cancer patients admitted to the SOLCA Hospital during the period of January 2014-May 2018. With a non-probabilistic sample, patients with Multiple Myeloma, older than 18 years, were selected in whose treatment Lenalidomide is included. Group 1 (G1): patients with bone marrow transplantation, Group 2: patients not candidates for bone marrow transplantation. The demographic, descriptive clinical variables (ISS, ECOG), survival as the main variable and secondary effects. Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis was performed. Results:23 cases were included in G1 and 26 cases in G2. Age in G1 53 years (Range 38-70), in G2: 65 years (Range 46-85) P = 0.13. In G1 they were 12/23 (52%) men, in G2 they were 15/26 (57%) P = 0.93. ISS grade II 11/23 (48%) in G1 and 10/26 (38%) in G2 P = 0.51. ECOG 2 in G1: 12/23 (52%) and in G2 16/26 (32%) in G2 P = 0.51. Progression-free survival in Group 1-HSCT at 24 months of follow-up was 98%, in Group 2 not Candidate for HSCT at 24 months of follow-up it was 82%, LogRank test P = 0.023. X2 = 5.192. Overall survival in Group 1-HSCT at 24 months of follow-up was 100%, in Group 2 not Candidate for HSCT at 24 months of follow-up it was 90%, LogRank test P = 0.17. X2 = 1.846. Conclusion:In the present study, it was demonstrated that progression-free survival is higher in the group of patients with Multiple Myeloma who underwent Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation versus the group of patients with Multiple Myeloma who are not candidates for Transplantation. Overall survival is the same in both groups.

The tale of lenalidomide clinical superiority over thalidomide and regulatory and cost-effectiveness issues / A narrativa de que a lenalidomida é clinicamente superior à talidomida, e questões regulatórias e de custo-efetividade

Abstract In April 2017, the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA-Brazil) approved lenalidomide (LEN) for multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome. ANVISA had rejected the first application in 2010, and denied a request for reconsideration in 2012. The reason for rejection was the lack of comparative effectiveness studies proving that LEN was more effective than thalidomide (THAL), a strictly controlled drug regulated by Federal law 10.651/2003 and dispensed to patients (at no costs) through public health system units and hospitals. ANVISA unexplained retreat on the LEN approval for marketing was an unquestionable triumph of the lobbying that ensued the denial, at the forefront of which were politicians, Congress members, patient organizations and medical societies. Two randomized (phase III) trials and three observational (case-control and population-based cohort) compared the effectiveness of THAL- versus LEN-based therapies in MM. Overall, these studies showed no difference in efficacy between LEN- and THAL-based therapies. LEN caused less neuropathy, and more severe hematologic adverse effects. It is much costlier than THAL, and substitution of THAL by LEN shall raise considerably public healthcare costs in Brazil.

Resumo A Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) aprovou em abril de 2017 a lenalidomida (LEN) para o mieloma múltiplo (MM) e síndrome mielodisplásica. A ANVISA havia negado o registro em 2010, e indeferido um recurso apresentado em 2012. O motivo do indeferimento foi a falta de estudos comparativos de efetividade demonstrando que LEN era mais eficaz do que a talidomida (TAL), um medicamento rigorosamente controlado pela lei federal 10.651/2003 e dispensado gratuitamente a pacientes através de unidades de saúde e hospitais públicos. O recuo não explicado da ANVISA em relação ao registro da LEN foi um inquestionável triunfo do lobby que sucedeu a recusa inicial do registro, a frente do qual estavam políticos, membros do Congresso, associações de pacientes e sociedades médicas. Dois ensaios randomizados (fase III) e três estudos observacionais (caso-controle e coorte de base populacional) compararam a efetividade de terapias para o MM com TAL- e com LEN. Em conjunto, esses estudos mostraram que não havia diferenças quanto a eficácia de tratamentos com LEN- e aqueles com TAL. A LEN causou menos neuropatias, e efeitos adversos hematológicos mais graves. Ela é muito mais cara do que a TAL, e a substituição da TAL pela LEN aumentará muito os custos da assistência pública à saúde no Brasil.

Agentes inmunomoduladores (IMiDs): herramientas para el tratamiento del mieloma múltiple / Immunomodulator drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma

Thalidomide changed the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, however, its effectiveness has been compromised due to its side effects. New strategies are needed to specifically target the challenges of multiple myeloma through innovative, more effective, and less toxic therapy. The new immunomodulatory (IMiDs) compounds are structural and functional analogs of thalidomide, which were designed to improve the immunomodulatory and anticancer properties and tolerability profiles. We review the development of second generation IMiDs, lenalidomide and pomalidomide, their immunomodulatory and tumoricidal effects, their mechanisms of action, as well as the influence of dexamethasone on their effect and pharmacological resistance. In conclusion, lenalidomide and pomalidomide demonstrate a powerful activity and they are highly effective and well-tolerated treatment options for patients with myeloma, used alone or in combination with dexamethasone.

Análisis costo-efectividad de lenalidomida en combinación con dexametasona frente a bortezomib combinado con dexametasona en el tratamiento en segunda línea del mieloma múltiple en Chile / Cost-effectiveness of lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone compared to bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone for the second-line treatment of multiple myeloma in Chile

CONTEXTO: El mieloma múltiple es una neoplasia de las células plasmáticas de la medula ósea. Las terapias disponibles no son curativas y la mayoría de los pacientes se vuelve refractario al tratamiento. Agentes como lenalidomida y bortezomib han demostrado su eficacia en el tratamien-to en segunda línea de estos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el costo-efectividad de la combinación lenalidomida/dexametasona frente a bortezomib/dexametasona en pacientes con mieloma múltiple, no candidatos a trasplante, previamente tratados con bortezomib, desde la perspectiva del sistema nacional de salud chileno. METODOLOGÍA: Se empleó un modelo de Markov que simula la evolución de una cohorte de pacientes a través de cuatro estados de salud (preprogresión en tratamiento, preprogresión sin tratamiento, progresión o muerte) en un horizonte temporal de 25 años. Los datos de eficacia, uso de recursos y frecuencia de efectos adversos fueron extraídos de los ensayos sobre mieloma múltiple MM-009 y MM-010 y de un estudio retrospectivo de retratamiento con bortezomib. Todos los parámetros fueron validados por expertos. Se aplicó una tasa de descuento en costos y beneficios de 3%. La robustez de los resultados fue evaluada mediante un análisis de sensibilidad univariante y probabilístico. RESULTADOS: El tratamiento con lenalidomida/dexametasona proporciona 1,41 años de vida y 0,83 años de vida ajustados por calidad incrementales respecto a bortezomib/dexametasona, con un costo incremental de 11 864 597,86 pesos chilenos (19 589,86 dólares). La ratio de cos-to-efectividad y costo-utilidad incremental se cifró en 8 410 266,92 pesos chilenos (13 886,35 dólares) por año de vida ganado y 14 271 896,16 pesos chilenos (23 564,59 dólares) por año de vida ajustado por calidad respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: La lenalidomida/dexametasona representa una alternativa potencialmente costo-efectiva, desde la perspectiva del sistema nacional de salud chileno, para el tratamiento en segunda línea de pacientes con mieloma múltiple no candidatos a trasplante.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy affecting bone marrow derived plasma cells. Current therapies are not able to eradicate the disease and most patients become refractory to the treatment. Lenalidomide and bortezomib have proved effective in the second-line treatment of these patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone compared to bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma previously treated with bortezomib, from the perspective of the Chilean National Health Service. METHODOLOGY: A four-state Markov model (preprogression on treatment; preprogression off treatment, progression and death) was used to simulate the evolution of a cohort of multiple myeloma patients over a 25-year time horizon. Efficacy data, resource use and frequency of adverse events were extracted from MM009/010 studies and a retrospective analysis of retreatment with bortezomib. All inputs were validated by experts. A 3% annual discount rate was used for costs and health outcomes. The robustness of the results was evaluated through univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone treatment provided 1.41 incremental life years and 0.83 incremental quality-adjusted life years in comparison with bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone, with an incremental cost of 11 864 597.86 CLP (19 589.86 US$). The incremental cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratio were estimated at 8 410 266.92 CLP (13 886,35 US$) / incremental life year and 14 271 896.16 CLP (23 564,59 US$)/incremental quality-adjusted life years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone represents a potentially cost-effective alternative for the second-line treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who are not eligible for transplantation, from the perspective of the Chilean National Health Service.

Research and Applications Progress of Lenalidomide for Myelofibrosis--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Myelofibrosis, a clonal stem-cell disorder which is difficult to cure, The treatment for most of patients is conservative treatment, but the treatment effect is not ideal. Lenalidomide as a novel immunomodulator in the treatment of blood diseases showed good results in recent years, Its studies have shown that lenalidomide in myelofibrosis also showed a certain effect. As companed with single drug lenalidomide, the thalidomide has a higher response rate, clinical symptoms improved significantly. Ruxolitinib, JAK2 inhibitor, combined with lenalidomide not only can improve the quality of life of patients, but also extend the survival of patients. In addition, lenalidomide combined with prednisone for the treatment of bone marrow fibrosis is more effective and more safe, lenalidomide can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients, especially anemia, and prednisone can reduce the hematologic toxicity of lenalidomids. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in the treatment of myelofibrosis, and focuses on the newest clinical research and application progress of lenalidomide for myelofibrosis.

Research and Applications Progress of Lenalidomide in Relapsed / Refractory Blood System Diseases -Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Lenalidomide, a novel immunomodulatory agent, is a kind of thalidomide derivatives, which shows a good efficacy and safety for hematological system diseases. This review is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, classical Hodgkin's lymphoma and POEMS syndrome at their replased or refractory state. At the same time, this review focuses on the newest clinical research and the latest application progress of lenalidomide for relapsed or refractory hematological system diseases.