To obtain a broader perspective on how physicians view the complex question of second primary cancers with lenalidomide, we asked what they say to patients in this regard and found that the faculty and most oncologists tell patients that the risk of both solid and hematologic cancers is modestly increased. But about a third of oncologists are not convinced of this association. Both faculty note that when they counsel patients about this modest risk they are careful to explain that it is more than balanced by the antimyeloma effect on disease progression.

Palumbo A et al. Second primary malignancies with lenalidomide therapy for newly diagnosed myeloma: A meta-analysis of individual patient data. Lancet Oncol 2014;15(3):333-42. Abstract

McCarthy P et al. Lenalidomide after stem-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med 2012;366(19):1770-81. Abstract

Attal M et al. Lenalidomide maintenance after stem-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma: Follow-up analysis of the IFM 2005-02 trial. Proc ASH 2013;Abstract 406.