Dr. Smith on Utilizing Lenalidomide in CLL

Mitchell R. Smith, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, George Washington University, associate center director for clinical investigations, Division of Hematology and Oncology, GW Cancer Center, discusses the potential advantage of lenalidomide (Revlimid) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Lenalidomide has gained traction in multiple myeloma and low-grade lymphoma. However, the drug first demonstrated activity in CLL, says Smith.

In 2018, results of the randomized phase II Alliance CALGB 10404 trial demonstrated a 2-year progression-free survival benefit of 72% with the addition of lenalidomide to fludarabine and rituximab (Rituxan; FR) versus 64% with FR alone. Notably, 6 months of consolidative treatment with lenalidomide alone demonstrated a progression-free survival and overall survival benefit in the trial, says Smith. Utilization of this drug as either maintenance therapy or as an immune modulator could yield significant benefit in CLL, Smith concludes.