Lenalidomide: an immunomodulatory drug.

Lenalidomide (CC-5013; Revlimid) represents one compound in a category of new medications known as immunomodulatory drugs. These compounds are thalidomide derivatives. Through relatively minor structural modifications, the potency of the medication is improved compared with the parent compound, and the side-effect profile has changed considerably. The neurologic toxicity and pro-thrombotic effects of thalidomide are reduced in the structural analog, although concerns regarding pro-thrombotic effects are still present when lenalidomide is combined with dexamethasone. Data supporting lenalidomide's use in myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma has been published over the past several years and presented at the May 2005 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Further trials are ongoing for many other malignancies. This report will review the preclinical and clinical results of the investigations with this exciting new therapeutic, its toxicities and future prospects.