Lenalidomide affects the immune system. It promotes immune responses to help slow tumor growth.
Lenalidomide treats anemia (a lack of red blood cells in the body), multiple myeloma (cancer resulting from a progressive blood disease), and mantle cell lymphoma (a rare cancer of the lymph nodes). It is used in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome caused by an abnormal chromosome. This disorder is also called deletion 5q MDS, because part of chromosome 5 is missing. In people with this disorder, the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.
Lenalidomide should not be used for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) unless you are in a controlled medical study. Lenalidomide can increase the risk of death from serious heart problems in people with CLL.
Lenalidomide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.