Prospective Collaborative Study for Pulse Dexamethasone and Lenalidomide in Relapsed/Refractory Langerhans Cell
Ramya Uppuluri1, Manas Kalra2, Satyendra Katewa3
1Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, India.
Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|March 16, 2026
Summary
Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LENDEX) showed a 73% efficacy in treating relapsed or refractory Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in children. The treatment was well-tolerated, with mild side effects and no deaths observed in the study cohort.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder affecting children.
- Refractory or relapsed LCH poses significant treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LENDEX) in pediatric patients with refractory/relapsed LCH.
- To determine the overall response rate and tolerability of the LENDEX regimen.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicenter study involving 15 children with LCH.
- Treatment consisted of lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LENDEX) for up to nine cycles.
- Data collected on treatment response, adverse events, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- An overall response rate of 73% was observed.
- 26% achieved complete response (CR) at six cycles, and 53% achieved partial response (PR) at nine cycles.
- The LENDEX combination was well-tolerated, with mild anemia and myalgia as common adverse effects. No deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LENDEX) is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory LCH.
- Future research may involve extending LENDEX treatment and incorporating maintenance therapy.