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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
10:44
Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs
Published on: May 15, 2019
Thalidomide and lenalidomide in primary myelofibrosis
N Holle1, T de Witte, C Mandigers
1Department of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|August 27, 2010
Summary
Lenalidomide shows higher efficacy and better tolerability than thalidomide for treating primary myelofibrosis, potentially normalizing hemoglobin and reducing transfusion dependence.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Primary myelofibrosis is a stem cell disorder causing bone marrow fibrosis and cytopenia.
- Current treatments for cytopenia are mainly supportive.
- JAK-2 mutations and cytokine dysregulation are key to the disease's etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide and lenalidomide in patients with primary myelofibrosis.
- To compare the outcomes of lenalidomide versus thalidomide treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 14 patients treated with thalidomide and 7 with lenalidomide.
- Assessment of clinical improvement, cytopenia reduction, and toxicity profiles.
- Lenalidomide was administered to some patients after thalidomide failure.
Main Results:
- Thalidomide improved symptoms in 6/14 patients but was limited by toxicity (neuropathy).
- Lenalidomide was effective in 4/7 patients, including some refractory to thalidomide.
- Lenalidomide demonstrated a more favorable toxicity profile and longer treatment duration.
Conclusions:
- Lenalidomide is preferred over thalidomide for primary myelofibrosis due to superior response rates and tolerability.
- Prednisone addition may benefit non-responders to lenalidomide.
- Lenalidomide can improve hemoglobin levels and reduce transfusion needs.
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