After a week of discussions about the potential link between Revlimid maintenance therapy and second cancers, the members of the International Myeloma Working Group have decided that more information is needed before they can issue unified recommendations.
A number of myeloma specialists have voiced differing opinions on whether this potential link to second cancers should affect the use of Revlimid (lenalidomide) as a myeloma therapy (see related Beacon news). The latest decision from the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) provides a clearer indication that there is a lack of consensus regarding the controversy.
The main concerns are around the use of Revlimid as maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation or as continuous therapy in combination with melphalan (Alkeran) in transplant-ineligible patients. No data has shown any link between Revlimid and second cancers when Revlimid is used prior to stem cell transplantation or in the relapsed or refractory setting.
The IMWG, a group of 145 leading myeloma experts from around the world, planned to issue a consensus statement early last week regarding Revlimid’s potential link to second cancers. A subgroup of the IMWG met to discuss the issue, and the committee continued to hold online discussions throughout the week.
However, on Sunday, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) announced that the IMWG decided to postpone their consensus statement. “Although there was a strong desire to make recommendations, it was decided that more information is required first.”
The entire IMWG will meet after the International Myeloma Workshop in May, where more data from ongoing Revlimid maintenance studies will be presented. Additional data will also be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in June.
The IMF also wrote, “The IMWG has established a Task Force to study patients who develop second cancers and will carefully review specific cancers if they occur. In addition, molecular and other biologic testing will be performed.”
Until more information is available, the IMF recommends that multiple myeloma patients discuss this issue with their physicians.
For more information, see the IMF website.