Clinical benefit-risk profile of lenalidomide in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes without del(5q): results of a phase III trial

Background: In the phase III MDS-005 study of patients with lower-risk, non-del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes, lenalidomide was associated with a higher rate of ≥ 8 weeks red blood cell transfusion independence (RBC-TI) compared with placebo, but also with a higher risk of hematologic adverse events (AEs). Patients and Methods: This analysis evaluated the ratio of clinical benefit-risk in patients treated with lenalidomide or placebo, and assessed the effect of lenalidomide dose reductions on response. Clinical benefit was a composite endpoint defined as RBC-TI, transfusion reduction ≥ 4 units packed red blood cells, hemoglobin increase ≥ 1.5 g/dL, or cytogenetic response. Results: The rate of clinical benefit was higher with lenalidomide than with placebo (31.9% vs. 3.8%). The ratio of response (RBC-TI and clinical benefit) to risk (hematologic AEs) favored lenalidomide over placebo. Patients who underwent ≥ 1 lenalidomide dose reduction had a longer duration of treatment, received a higher cumulative dose, and were more likely to experience clinical benefit versus patients without dose reductions. Conclusion: Despite the occurrence of hematologic AEs, the overall benefit-risk profile supported lenalidomide treatment. Appropriate management of hematologic AEs by dose reductions may help patients with myelodysplastic syndromes to remain on treatment and achieve clinical benefit. Potential benefits of any therapy must be weighed against potential risks. Among patients with non-del(5q) lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, the rate of clinical benefit was significantly higher with lenalidomide versus placebo. Despite the occurrence of hematologic adverse events, the benefit-risk profile favored lenalidomide over placebo. Managing hematologic adverse events by dose reductions can help patients remain on treatment and achieve clinical benefit.