How it Works

Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent that can kill cancer cells. The exact mechanism of action on cancer cells is not clear. It may inhibit the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in tumors. Thus, without oxygen, the cells die. Pomalidomide can be effective even in lenalidomide-resistant multiple myeloma patients. 

Pomalyst (pomalidomide) also enhances the status of the immune system and decreases cytokine and growth factor production (substances capable of stimulating cell proliferation and wound healing) that the cancer cells need to grow and survive, causing cell death. This is done by binding to cereblon and directing the CRL4–CRBN E3 ligase (which regulates the disposal of proteins) toward the transcription factors Ikaros and Aiolos to cause their degradation. Proteins that play a key role in the B-cell differentiation process (in which the B-cells evolve into plasma cells), survival of malignant cells, regulation of the aberrant myeloma-specific gene (indirectly regulated by Aiolos), and reduction of the proliferation of cancer killer immune cells, like natural killer T cells, and CD4+ T cells (a process which is also indirectly regulated by Aiolos).  

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How It’s Administered

Pomalidomide is an oral pill taken by mouth once daily. It may be taken with or without food and should be taken at about the same time each day. 

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Who Should Take Pomalidomide

POMALYST is taken along with the medicine dexamethasone in people who:

• Have received at least two prior medicines to treat multiple myeloma, including a type of medicine known as a proteasome inhibitor and lenalidomide (another immunomodulator), 
• Patients whose disease has worsened during treatment or within 60 days of finishing the last treatment.

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Who Shouldn’t Take Pomalidomide

• Pregnant patients plan to become pregnant or become pregnant during treatment.
• Patients who are allergic to pomalidomide 

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The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Pomalidomide Include: 

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Back pain
• Constipation 
• Shortness of breath 
• Fever
• Nausea 
• Upper respiratory tract infection

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Commonly Used With

• Dexamethasone
• Daratumumab and dexamethasone
• Bortezomib 

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Currently Being Tested With Pomalidomide

• Corticosteroids: Dexamethasone, Prednisone 
• Monoclonal antibodies: Daratumumab, Elotuzumab, Durvalumab, Nivolumab
• Antibody-drug conjugates: Belantamab Mafodotin
• Bispecific engagers: Elranatamab 
• Histone deacetylase inhibitor: Ricolinostat (ACY-1215), Citarinostat (ACY-241)
• Proteasome inhibitor: Bortezomib, Ixazomib, Carfilzomib  
• Antineoplastic agents: Cyclophosphamide, Bendamustine, Melflufen 
• Immunomodulatory agents: Leflunomide
• Antibiotics with antineoplastic activity: Clarithromycin
• BCL-2 inhibitors: Venetoclax
• Others: Vactosertib, Pavurutamab (AMG 701), Sotatercept (ACE-011)

 

Learn more about your treatments in Cure Hub

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For more information, go to www.pomalyst.com

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Date last updated: 6/14/22