Thalidomide- and lenalidomide-associated thromboembolism among patients with cancer.

We conducted a literature review (1998 – July 2006) of venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurring among thalidomide or lenalidomide treated multiple myeloma patients. The overall VTE rate for thalidomide-treated multiple myeloma patients was 12% (585 reports among 4862 patients). The overall VTE rate among lenalidomide-treated multiple myeloma patients was 8% (110 reports among 1474 patients). VTE rates ranged from 0% to 40% (Table). Prophylaxis options included aspirin, warfarin, or low molecular weight heparin. VTE rates are high when thalidomide or lenalidomide treated patients with multiple myeloma receive dexamethasone, melphalan, or doxorubicin (Table). More details can be found in Bennett et al as well as the table on this website.