title: Recent advances in analytical determination of thalidomide and its metabolites.
abstract: Thalidomide, a racemate, is coming into clinical use as immuno-modulating and anti-inflammatory drug. Thalidomide was approved by the FDA in July 1998 for the treatment of erythema nodusum leprosum associated with leprosy. Recently, thalidomide is proving to be a promising drug in the treatment of a number of cancers and inflammatory diseases, such as multiple myeloma, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease), HIV and cancer associated cachexia. These effects may chiefly be exerted by S-thalidomide, but the enantiomers are inter-converted in vivo. Thalidomide is given orally, although parenteral administration would be desirable in some clinical situations. Thalidomide has been determined in formulations and, principally in biological fluids by a variety of methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The overview includes the most relevant analytical methodologies used in its determination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
authors.forename: M Espinosa
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bosch
authors.forename: A J Ruiz
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.forename: F Sánchez
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Rojas
authors.forename: C Bosch
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Ojeda
mesh_terms: D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008956:Models, Chemical; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013792:Thalidomide