[DexMed]

Should I avoid Revlimid if I've had cancer before?

by DexMed on Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:06 pm

I am about 67 (live in US ). I have been smoldering for 4.5 years. Recent labs indicate I may need to start chemotherapy.

I had surgeries for testicular and prostate cancers in the past, and polyps as well, with a family history of leukemia and colon cancer.

With this background, should I avoid Revlimid first line therapy? Does past history create a risk factor?

(I've read that Revlimid has side effect of second cancers.)

[wesley]

Re: Should I avoid Revlimid if I've had cancer before?

by wesley on Wed Jun 04, 2014 9:38 am

I too am IgA kappa, diagnosed a year ago at 61. Just had my 100 day consult this week (auto ASCT in Feb). I used Revlimid for induction last fall, and am about to go on Revlimid as maintenance (I still have an M spike after ASCT).

My doctor says this week that the risk of secondary cancer is low and is outweighed by the benefit, at least in my case. The overall risk for secondary malignancy is in the 4-5 % range relative to people who do not use Revlimid (some of whom, of course, will develop malignancies too).

I had prostate cancer in 2000, and both my sisters have had cancer as well.

Best of luck
Wesley

[Eric Hofacket]

Re: Should I avoid Revlimid if I've had cancer before?

by Eric Hofacket on Wed Jun 04, 2014 11:55 am

Have you asked this question to our oncologist? They should be able to address it. There has been information presented on the Beacon about this subject and the statistical risk to the general population, but I feel that questions about drug safety and risk from prior cancer treatment is really a question best addressed by an oncologist looking at your individual case.

[Dr. Jason Valent]

Re: Should I avoid Revlimid if I've had cancer before?

by Dr. Jason Valent on Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:40 pm

This is a good question and I am going to give you as best an answer as I can.

The risk of cancer developing after Revlimid use seems to be largely limited to patients who have also been treated with melphalan. We know that melphalan can also increase risk of cancer developing after its use.

That being said, I am unaware of data that says the risk is greater in patients already diagnosed with a previous cancer.

I do treat patients with previous cancers with Revlimid. I think the benefit of such drug does outweigh the risk of developing another cancer.

[DexMed]

Re: Should I avoid Revlimid if I've had cancer before?

by DexMed on Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:04 pm

Thanks, Dr Valent, Wesley and Eric for your useful responses.