The FDA has approved a new drug called Pomalyst (pomalidomide) for two serious diseases: multiple myeloma and Kaposi sarcoma. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Kaposi sarcoma is a cancer that causes tumors in the skin, lymph nodes, or other organs, often in people with AIDS. Pomalyst is a type of drug called a thalidomide analogue. It works by affecting the immune system and stopping cancer cells from growing.
For multiple myeloma, Pomalyst is used together with another drug called dexamethasone. It is for adults who have already tried at least two other treatments, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor, and whose cancer got worse during or within 60 days of their last treatment. For Kaposi sarcoma, Pomalyst is approved for patients with AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma that did not get better with HIV treatment, and for patients without HIV who have Kaposi sarcoma. This approval for Kaposi sarcoma was based on how many patients responded to the drug, but more studies are needed to confirm the benefit.
This approval gives new hope to patients who have few other options. However, it is important to remember that every patient is different. Pomalyst has side effects, and it may not work for everyone. Patients should talk to their doctor to see if Pomalyst is a good choice for their specific situation.
