New uses of thalidomide

Article Abstract:

Preliminary reports on the effectiveness of thalidomide in the treatment of several disorders are encouraging, despite potentially serious side effects. After causing birth defects in Europe in the 1950's, thalidomide is now being investigated for treating erythema nodosum leprosum, AIDS complications, ulcers, skin inflammations, and organ rejection after transplantation. Thalidomide inhibits the development of blood vessels in the fetus, regulates the immune response, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Even small doses of thalidomide are associated with physical defects in the unborn. Irreversible peripheral nerve disorders, sedation, constipation, and rash are also common side effects. The AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service has details about current studies involving thalidomide.

Complications and side effects, Immune response, Immune response regulation, Teratogenic agents, Erythema nodosum

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Thalidomide -- a revival story

Article Abstract:

Thalidomide may be beneficial for some patients with multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a bone cancer that is very hard to treat. A 1999 study showed that 32% of 84 patients with multiple myeloma benefited from thalidomide treatment. Many had not responded to chemotherapy. It is not clear how thalidomide benefits myeloma patients. It is known to suppress the formation of new blood vessels, which tumors must do in order to spread to other parts of the body. Research has shown that patients with multiple myeloma have new blood vessel formation in their bone marrow. The drug may also inhibit myeloma cells directly.

Editorial, Multiple myeloma

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Thalidomide

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved thalidomide for the treatment of leprosy. Although thalidomide was banned in the early 1960's when it was linked to severe birth defects, it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in treating some types of ulcers, Behcet's disease, graft-versus-host disease, and some inflammatory skin diseases. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS wasting syndrome, Kaposi's sarcoma, ulcerative colitis can also benefit from the drug. Caution is necessary when used because it has severe side effects in addition to its potential to cause birth defects.

Evaluation, Leprosy

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