Current status of thalidomide and its role in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.
Following the discovery of its anti-angiogenic properties and despite its tragic history, thalidomide has re-surfaced in the field of oncology. Concurrent with its evaluation in various clinical trials for cancer, thalidomide's mechanism of action is sought and new analogues with improved efficacy and pharmacological profile are emerging. This review is a critical evaluation of thalidomide metabolism, molecular targets, anti-angiogenic activity and clinical efficacy with an emphasis on metastatic prostate cancer.
Macpherson
Gordon R
GR
Molecular Pharmacology Section, Division of Clinical Sciences, Cancer Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 5A01, 9000 Rockville Pike, 20892, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Franks
Michael
M
Tomoaia-Cotisel
Andrada
A
Ando
Yuichi
Y
Price
Douglas K
DK
Figg
William D
WD
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D013792:Thalidomide