The risk of VTE in cancer patients is greater than 7%; those with myeloma have the highest risk of thrombosis.2 The oral immunomodulatory drugs, thalidomide and lenalidomide, further increase that risk. The following guidelines from the International Myeloma Working Group recommend a prophylaxis strategy based upon a risk assessment model. The recommendations have been made in the absence of clear data from randomized studies, and are therefore based on common sense and on data extrapolated from many studies not specifically designed to answer these questions. Treatment decisions must be based on the type of therapy and the patient’s individual risk factors. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in myeloma patients […]
Mobilization in myeloma revisited: IMWG consensus perspectives on stem cell collection following initial therapy with thalidomide-, lenalidomide-, or bortezomib-containing regimens
The past decade has witnessed a paradigm shift in the initial treatment of multiple myeloma with the introduction of novel agents such as thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib, leading to improved outcomes. High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for patients with multiple myeloma eligible for the procedure. Before the advent of the novel agents, patients underwent stem cell collection prior to significant alkylating agent exposure, given its potential deleterious effect on stem cell collection. With increasing use of the novel agents in the upfront setting, several reports have emerged raising concerns about their impact on the ability to collect stem cells. An expert panel of […]
Prevention of thalidomide- and lenalidomide-associated thrombosis in myeloma
The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is more than 1 per thousand annually in the general population and increases further in cancer patients. The risk of VTE is higher in multiple myeloma (MM) patients who receive thalidomide or lenalidomide, especially in combination with dexamethasone or chemotherapy. Various VTE prophylaxis strategies, such as low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), warfarin or aspirin, have been investigated in small, uncontrolled clinical studies. This manuscript summarizes the available evidence and recommends a prophylaxis strategy according to a risk-assessment model. Individual risk factors for thrombosis associated with thalidomide/lenalidomide-based therapy include age, history of VTE, central venous catheter, comorbidities (infections, diabetes, cardiac disease), immobilization, surgery and inherited thrombophilia. Myeloma-related […]