title: Thalidomide and lenalidomide: Mechanism-based potential drug combinations.
abstract: Thalidomide and its analogue lenalidomide are potent anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory drugs, successfully used for the treatment of hematological cancers, in particular multiple myeloma (MM). Both drugs reveal a dual mechanism of action: they target tumour cells by direct cytotoxicity and, indirectly, by interfering with several components of the bone marrow microenvironment. Lenalidomide and thalidomide are versatile drugs with a broad range of activities that potentiate the anti-MM effects of conventional and novel agents. Here, we review the mechanism of action of these drugs, providing a rationale for combination studies in order to improve patient outcome and reduce side effects.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. svallet@partners.org
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vallet
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Palumbo
authors.forename: Noopur
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Raje
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boccadoro
authors.forename: Kenneth C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects; D000077269:Lenalidomide; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D013792:Thalidomide; D000077269:Lenalidomide