The role of thalidomide in multiple myeloma.
Thalidomide has been demonstrated to be active as a first-line and salvage therapy in patients with multiple myeloma. Numerous studies over the past 8 years have shown it to induce high response rates and improve event-free survival in newly diagnosed patients as well as those with relapsed/refractory disease. Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that thalidomide-based regimens are superior to conventional treatments in terms of response rates and event-free survival. However, few trials have demonstrated a survival benefit with thalidomide, indicating the need for further trials. This review will focus on recent trials of thalidomide in relapsed/refractory and newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and address some of the common adverse events associated with thalidomide treatment.
Schwab
Chris
C
CIG Media Group, LP, Dallas, TX 75219, USA. chris.schwab@cigjournals.com
Jagannath
Sundar
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000139:chemically induced; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013792:Thalidomide; D003907:Dexamethasone