Pomalidomide-based therapy for extramedullary multiple myeloma

Abstract

Objectives: Extramedullary disease (EMD) is characterized by plasma cells outside of bone marrow in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, which results in an adverse prognosis. EMD treatment is yet challenging even in the era of novel drugs. Only limited data are available on pomalidomide-based therapy for EMD patients. The purpose of the current study was to assess the efficacy of pomalidomide-based therapy in EMD. Methods: The current retrospective analysis of six patients assessed the utility of pomalidomide-based therapy in the treatment of EMD. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 55 (47–70) years. A serological response was observed: 16% (n = 1) complete response (CR), 67% (n = 4) partial response (PR), and 16% (n = 1) progressive disease (PD). Extramedullary overall response rate (ORR) was 83% (n = 5), with 50% (n = 3) CR, 33% (n = 2) PR, and extramedullary progression in one patient. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 8 months from diagnosis of EMD. Discussion and conclusion: Pomalidomide-based therapy showed efficacy in these previously treated patients with EMD.