Thalidomide in cancer medicine.
Thalidomide, an oral agent with antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties, is being investigated extensively in the management of advanced cancer. Multiple studies with large numbers of patients have confirmed that this drug has significant activity in multiple myeloma. Some patients with myelofibrosis or myeodysplatic syndromes may reduce their need for transfusions after thalidomide treatment. The activity of thalidomide in solid tumors is less prominent. Studies in Kaposi's sarcoma, malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer appear more promising especially when thalidomide is combined with biological agents or with chemotherapy. Limited activity was demonstrated in patients with glioma, while thalidomide appears to be inactive in patients with head and neck cancer, breast or ovarian cancer.
Eleutherakis-Papaiakovou
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Department of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
Bamias
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Dimopoulos
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D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002100:Cachexia / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D013792:Thalidomide