Pomalidomide: A novel imunomodulatory drug for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma

Introduction: The novel agents bortezomib and lenalidomide have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM), yet most relapsed MM patients will become refractory to therapy. Methods: Pomalidomide is a second generation immunomodulatory agent that has been recently approved in the USA for the treatment of relapsed and refractory MM after two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and bortezomib. Results: Pomalidomide has several potential mechanisms of action which include anti-angiogenic effects, immunomodulation, an effect on the myeloma tumor microenvironment and the protein cereblon. Discussion: Several trials demonstrate the efficacy and safety of this novel compound in relapsed and refractory MM, including subjects refractory to lenalidomide and bortezomib. In the following review article, we discuss the role of pomalidomide as a new clinical treatment option for MM.