Alternate day pomalidomide retains anti-myeloma effect with reduced adverse events and evidence of in vivo immunomodulation

We previously reported that daily dose pomalidomide (CC-4047), a thalidomide analogue, has excellent anti-myeloma activity but is associated with myelosuppression and deep vein thrombosis. We report here a phase 1 study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of pomalidomide at 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg on alternate days (ad). Twenty patients with relapsed myeloma were treated. Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in all patients receiving 10 mg and the MTD was defined as 5 mg ad. No thrombotic events were observed. Pomalidomide was continued following the 4-week MTD study in 17/20 patients for a median of 14 months. 10% of patients had a complete response and > 50% reduction in paraprotein was achieved in 50% of subjects. Progression-free survival was 10.5 months and median overall survival was 33 months. A significant rise was observed in the proportion of CD8(+) cells. Alternate day pomalidomide was associated with a marked reduction in the incidence of thrombosis whilst maintaining excellent anti-myeloma activity. This trial provides further in vivo evidence that pomalidomide modulates the immune system in myeloma patients. Phase 2 studies to further assess the optimal schedule of administration and anti-myeloma activity of this agent are planned.