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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

In an article, you mentioned Rivlimid for maintenance. What about using Pomalyst after bone marrow transplant?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX

I used Rivlimid after my first remission about 5 years ago

January 27
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Be the first to react
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Make sure it’s a low dosage

April 13
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I have done very well with Revlimid, which is the only treatment my oncologist has prescribed for this period of time. My labs have been stable for the past year

March 11
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Technically, shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a stronger med in the same chemical class as Revlimid. The only issue is the FDA considers Pomalyst as a 3rd line medicine. This means it’s approved for patients who have received at least two prior therapies, including Revlimid (lenalidomide) and a proteasome inhibitor such as Velcade (bortezomib), and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completing the last therapy. If you haven’t had issues with 1st line meds, your Drs hands may be tied by FDA restrictions.

March 11
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

That should be ok since they come from same family of drugs.

February 2
MyMyelomaTeam

What are the options for maintenance therapy after a bone marrow transplant, particularly regarding Pomalyst (pomalidomide)?

Currently, lenalidomide (Revlimid) is the only single drug officially approved by the FDA for maintenance therapy after a bone marrow transplant. It's become the standard of care because it's Show Full Answer

What are the options for maintenance therapy after a bone marrow transplant, particularly regarding Pomalyst (pomalidomide)?

Currently, lenalidomide (Revlimid) is the only single drug officially approved by the FDA for maintenance therapy after a bone marrow transplant. It's become the standard of care because it's well-tolerated and has been shown to keep myeloma in remission for significantly longer periods.

However, your doctor may recommend other drugs for maintenance therapy if your myeloma has relapsed or has a high risk for relapse. Other medications may be available off-label (not officially approved for maintenance) or through clinical trials. The choice depends on the specific features of your myeloma cells.

While pomalidomide (Pomalyst) is mentioned as an immunomodulatory drug that can cause fewer side effects than thalidomide, the available information doesn't specifically discuss its use as maintenance therapy after transplant. It's typically used in other treatment settings.

Since you've already used Revlimid after your first remission, it's worth having a detailed conversation with your oncologist about what maintenance options might work best for you now, including whether Pomalyst or other alternatives could be appropriate for your situation.

January 27

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