Continuing education: The emergence of thalidomide in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To review standard and investigational treatments in advanced renal cell carcinoma, with a focus on thalidomide.


METHODS
Published articles, conference proceedings, treatment guidelines, and textbooks.


RESULTS
The prognosis for advanced renal cell carcinoma when treated with standard regimens is poor; therefore, new treatments are needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with thalidomide, alone and in combination with other therapies, may improve survival for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Proactive management of adverse effects associated with thalidomide, alone and in combination, may increase patient tolerance and compliance.
Wood
Laura S
LS
Experimental Therapeutics Program at Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center in OH, USA. woodls@adelphia.net
Perez
Cherie
C
Monroe
Dana
D
D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D009392:Nephrectomy; D010166:Palliative Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011379:Prognosis; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013792:Thalidomide