Review Article - Clinical Practice (2016) Volume 13, Issue 2

Lenalidomide Induced Stroke in Multiple Myeloma

Shridhar P1*, Khalil R2, Lasorda D2, Chun Y1,3,4

1Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

1Department of Cardiology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, USA

1Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

1McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA

Corresponding Author:
Shridhar P
Department of Bioengineering
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
E-mail: pus8@pitt.edu

Abstract

Keywords

stroke, lenalidomide, multiple myeloma, hypertension, hemiparesis

Lenalidomide (Revlimid) is a novel agent used in treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) with an adverse effect of thromboembolic episodes, more commonly, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism [1]. Venous thromboembolism has emerged as one of the leading complications of the lifesaving drug [2]. In addition, there is an increased burden of lenalidomide induced stroke and myocardial infarction [3,4]. This is especially a concern as multiple myeloma is well recognized to be a prothrombotic state [4]. Recently, the antiangiogenic agents, in general, and lenalidomide in particular have been associated with stroke [5,6]. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that lenalidomide, a Thalidomide analog, induces less neurotoxicity compared to thalidomide [7,8].

Tannemaat et al. reported an instance where a relatively young female suffered from stroke in one week after the administration of lenalidomide in the absence of other risk factors [9]. In the Chavez study, a patient died within 30 days of active treatment with lenalidomide due to an acute ischemic stroke [10]. In another instance, Scarpace et al. described one instance of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and two ischemic strokes treated with thalidomide 4 to 5 years after diagnosis of MM [11,12]. In addition, sudden death speculated due to stroke secondary to Lendalidomide has also been cited in literature [13]. This indicates that stroke; a dreadful complication of life changing drug can strike anytime (days, weeks, years) during treatment. There is an indication that intra-arterial light chain depositions may be responsible for the ischemic cerebrovascular events in these patients [9].

It can be seen both elderly and young adults, with increased frequency in newly diagnosed MM cases [2]. Clinical presentation can show considerable variation ranging from isolated headache to severe intracranial hypertension, hemiparesis, seizures, and encephalopathy. The severity of the complication may vary from reversible TIA to possible sudden death. An improvement of neurological symptoms is usually observed within 3–4 months after cessation of treatment with Thalidomide [14]. This can be compared with cisplatin which results in arterial ischemia and stroke which are more frequent within 10 days of treatment and following the first cycle of chemotherapy [15]. Similarly, intra-CSF or intravenous high-dose methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, 5-FU result in arterial ischemia. L-asparaginase on the other hand leads to hemorrhagic venous stroke mostly secondary to superior sagittal sinus or cortical vein thrombosis [16].

Adverse drug event reports received by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that lenalidomide for multiple myeloma was among the largest number of incomplete reports with the sole event term death in 2014 (n=717) [15]. The stroke risk increases with immunomodulators like lenalidomide, further still with combination therapy of lenalidomide with corticosteroids and the maximum risk is associated with a combination therapy of lenalidomide and alkylating agents like doxorubicin [17]. An increased incidence of TEEs in 1 arm became apparent: 75% patients receiving dexamethasone and lenalidomide developed thromboembolic events (along with 1 ischemic stroke) after a median of 50 days, versus 0% on dexamethasone alone (P<0.001) [18,19]. In the long-term follow-up of 704 patients with MM in 2 phase 3, randomized, clinical trials, the incidence of cerebrovascular events was 3.4%, in patients treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone compared with 1.7%, in patients treated with dexamethasone alone [20]. A phase 1/2 study of lenalidomide with vorinostat and dexamethasone, reported maximum tolerated dose was only 5 mg/day due to patients experiencing grade 3 thrombocytopenia and grade 4 strokes [21].

It is recommended that all patients on lenalidomide and high dose (dexamethasone/ doxorubicin) should receive anticoagulation with either LMWH or full dose Warfarin with target INR of 2-3. According to recommendation from International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), LMWH for all patients receiving lenalidomide and high-dose dexamethasone or doxorubicin and suggests that full-dose warfarin may be an alternative to LMWH. However, this was in the absence of clear data from randomized studies [9]. In a multi-center prospective, open label phase I/II trial, thromboembolic episodes including grade 4 stroke occurred despite LMWH administration to all patients [22-24]. Due to the lack of prospective randomized clinical trials, different studies have used various anticoagulant prophylaxes, including fixed lowdose warfarin (1 mg or 1.25 mg), therapeutic doses of warfarin (international normalized ratio between 2.0 and 3.0), low molecular weight heparin, or low-dose aspirin [2]. As yet, no study has clearly demonstrated a significant superiority of one prophylactic regimen LMWH or full-dose warfarin effectively reduce the risk of VTEs.

In our experience, if the patient’s INR was at target, we elected to maintain him on daily Plavix and monitor INR on regular basis. In patients who received prophylaxis with aspirin genetic variants of genes that are involved directly or indirectly in inflammatory response may be associated with increased risk of VTE [25]. Cohen et al. concluded that the benefits of aspirin are well documented for conditions like myocardial infarction and stroke [22]. It is well established that aspirin is effective in reducing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, but its role in reducing venous thrombosis is controversial [23]. A retrospective series of 83 patients who were treated with lenalidomide containing regimens showed asymptomatic venous thromboembolic event occurred in 18% despite aspirin prophylaxis. The authors further recommended serial monitoring of plasma D-dimer levels and early intervention may help to prevent symptomatic or lethal VTE events [26]. Moreover, ribavirin as a potential antithrombotic agent has also been suggested [27].

It is not uncommon for patients with plasma cell dyscrasias have a higher incidence of thromboembolic events associated with increased production of inflammatory cytokines such as CRP, IL-6 and TNF, procoagulant factors such as factor VIII and Von Willebrand factor, protein C resistance [28]. In addition, lenalidomide initiation in Myelodysplastic Syndrome with 5q deletion was found to be negatively associated with stroke [29]. It is very important that physicians should be aware lenalidomide carries a black box warning of significant stroke risks in patients with MM receiving lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment [30]. Increased vigilance from clinicians for stroke or myocardial infarction is highly recommended in patients with multiple myeloma.

References

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