Successful autologous stem cell collection with filgrastim and plerixafor after long-term lenalidomide therapy for multiple myeloma

Abstract

Novel agents such as lenalidomide have demonstrated responses similar to high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant in multiple myeloma. For patients who are started on lenalidomide, it is advisable to collect stem cells early if future transplant is contemplated. We are reporting a patient who underwent successful stem cell mobilization after 68 cycles of lenalidomide. A 60-year old male presented with back pain. He was diagnosed with stage IIA, IgA multiple myeloma. He was enrolled in a clinical trial and was randomized to receive lenalidomide plus dexamethasone. He received a total of 68 cycles of lenalidomide before progressing. He underwent mobilization of stem cells using filgrastim and plerixafor. He underwent successful stem cell transplant. Longer duration of lenalidomide adversely effects stem cell mobilization. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no other case reported in which stem cell mobilization was feasible after such a long (68 months) duration of uninterrupted lenalidomide therapy. © R. Agarwal and M.H. Abidi, 2012.