[Wayne K]

Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by Wayne K on Fri Mar 14, 2014 1:24 pm

I'm starting a regimen of Revlimid, no mention of dexamethasone [dex] and I forgot to ask. Is anyone else taking Revlimid only in relapse?

[InQ]

Re: Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by InQ on Fri Mar 14, 2014 2:32 pm

May I ask what your original induction therapy was? Did you also do SCT or maintainence therapy?

[Wayne K]

Re: Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by Wayne K on Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:29 pm

Velcade/Prednisone in '09, SCT 12 months after completion of the Velcade regimen in '10. I haven't had any maintenance regimen.

[rumnting]

Re: Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by rumnting on Sat Mar 15, 2014 2:08 pm

My husband took Revlimid (with no prednisone) for a year after his transplant. When his m-spike began to slowly rise, Velcade was added. I think this question was asked a while back in the forum, and that many had been on Revlimid only.

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by Dr. Edward Libby on Sat Mar 15, 2014 5:15 pm

Hello Wayne,

If a patient is having a clinical relapse many/most myeloma experts would combine Revlimid with dexamethasone for treatment. Sometimes if the M-spike has increased slightly but there are no CRAB-type symptoms a clinician might choose to add Revlimid alone. The response to combined Revlimid/dex is significantly more than Revlimid alone.

[genk]

Re: Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by genk on Sat Mar 22, 2014 7:30 am

After my transplant I was put on Revlimid and dex. That was more than 18 months ago. I suffered greatly with the side effects of the steroid dex. My quality of life was really bad while on dex. After several episodes with the dex I refused to take it any longer.

My numbers are now as stable as they had been and life is a whole lot better. Cross my fingers that my numbers do not creep up any time soon. I am getting along fine without dex.

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Sun Mar 23, 2014 8:05 am

Dear Wayne K,

As several of the other posts would suggest, Revlimid is commonly given with other drugs, dexamethasone being the most common one. However, Revlimid as a single agent is sometimes used.

From my perspective, I typically only do this when someone is having a slow, serologic relapse. What I mean by that is the numbers (M spike or serum free light chains, for example) are slowly moving in the wrong direction, but the patient is otherwise doing well. Revlimid by itself can be quite effective under such circumstances.

If the relapse has been brisk and/or if you are having symptoms/problems related to the relapse, a combination would be preferred.

Good luck!

Pete V.

[Wayne K]

Re: Revlimid without dex at relapse - anyone else?

by Wayne K on Sun Mar 23, 2014 10:53 am

I believe my relapse would fit the slow, serologic relapse description. I'm not anxious to take any steroids, but I do want to regain control. It sounds as though it's not uncommon to take Revlimid by itself under my conditions.

Thanks to the doctors for their support. Their contributions to the site are invaluable to mental stability.