Lenalidomide: immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and clinical activity in solid tumors.

Lenalidomide is a novel analog of thalidomide with both immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic properties that are more potent than those same properties in the parent compound. Work in several antiangiogenic model systems has provided early evidence of potential mechanisms of its clinical activity. Recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of lenalidomide for patients with deletion 5q myelodysplastic syndromes and advanced multiple myeloma has provided impetus for further evaluation of this agent in solid tumors.