Dr. Lee on Treatment Considerations in Smoldering Multiple Myeloma

Sarah S. Lee, MD, physician, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, assistant professor, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, assistant member, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, discusses treatment considerations in smoldering multiple myeloma.

Because a significant amount of research is ongoing for patients with smoldering multiple myeloma, enrollment to clinical trials is often the highest priority, Lee explains. However, for high-risk patients who are ineligible for clinical trials, treatment with lenalidomide (Revlimid) may be considered.

Data from a phase 2/3 trial (NCT01169337) showed that early intervention with lenalidomide significantly delayed progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma and the development of end-organ damage vs observation in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma. Moreover, quality of life did not appear to be negatively affected with the addition of lenalidomide vs observation in this patient population, Lee concludes.