Thalidomide: dual benefits in palliative medicine and oncology.
Thalidomide is an immunomodulator, anti-angiogenic agent, anti-cytokine, and anti-integrin. Alone or in combination with other drugs, thalidomide has also demonstrated anti-cachexin and anti-neoplastic properties. Anorexia and cachexia are common symptoms of advanced cancer. Since certain cytokines also promote tumor growth, we may have a class of agents with palliative and anti-tumor benefits in combination with anti-neoplastics and anti-cytokines, such as thalidomide.
Davis
M P
MP
Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine (a World Health Organization Demonstration Project), Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Dickerson
E D
ED
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000855:Anorexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016023:Integrins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016023:Integrins; D013792:Thalidomide