Glenview, Ill. (August 4, 2015) -- A case study published in the August issue of the journal CHEST found lenalidomide treatments may have an immediate effect in the treatment of sarcoidosis-related symptoms. Sarcoidosis, a disease that involves abnormal collections of inflammatory cells that can form nodules in various organs, can affect individuals from all racial and age groups. To date, no optimal therapies have been effective in managing this condition.
This finding was reported in the case of a 71-year-old woman with a long-standing history of refractory pulmonary sarcoidosis. Upon receiving two cycles of treatment with lenalidomide, the patient's breathlessness, fatigue, daily activity, and quality of life showed significant improvement, and her lung function testing demonstrated a remarkable increase in vital capacity. The case is the first of its kind to report the potential effects of lenalidomide as a therapeutic option in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.
The entire study "Use of Lenalidomide in 5q-Myelodysplastic Syndrome Provides Novel Treatment Prospects in Management of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis" can be viewed in the August issue of CHEST.
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About CHEST
American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), publisher of the journal CHEST, is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,700 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST, visit chestnet.org.