Immunomodulatory drugs as a therapy for multiple myeloma
1Department of Pathology, University of Antwerp (UA), Belgium. Hendrik.De.Raeve@uza.be
Abstract:
Thalidomide and the analogues lenalidomide (CC-5013, Revlimid) and CC-4047 (Actimid) belong to the family of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). These agents have anti-angiogenic properties, modulate TNFalpha and IL-12 secretion, co-stimulate T cells, increase NK cell toxicity and have direct anti-tumour effects. These characteristics have made of them promising drugs for treatment of relapsed, refractory and newly diagnosed MM. It seems that lenalidomide and CC-4047 are more powerful in inhibiting TNFalpha and have, except for myelosuppression, less side effects than Thal. Combination of IMiDs with dexamethasone, bortezomib and with chemotherapeutic agents are tested in numerous trials, which will help in determining the optimal combination and administration schedule of different molecules to take advantage of non-overlapping toxicities and synergisms between those agents.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Tumor Immunotherapy
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

