lenalidomide + topotecan

**Lenalidomide + topotecan** is an investigational combination therapy pairing lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic small molecule, with topotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, aiming to treat advanced or recurrent epithelial ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma. Lenalidomide acts by inhibiting factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, contributing both direct tumoricidal and immunomodulatory effects. Topotecan inhibits DNA topoisomerase I, causing DNA damage and cell death, especially in rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Combination therapy was studied to capitalize on additive or synergistic effects, particularly anti-angiogenic normalization of tumor vasculature to enhance chemotherapy delivery. In clinical studies, the combination was discontinued in early phase trials due to excessive dose-limiting hematological toxicity, particularly severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, precluding the determination of a safe therapeutic dose[1].

Other names

lenalidomide + topotecan