Thalidomide analogs

Published: June 3, 2009
Abstract Views: 185
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Thalidomide-based regimens have shown remarkable activity in relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma (MM) so that their use has been successfully extended to newly diagnosed patients. Thalidomide-dexamethasone combination has demonstrated to be superior to VAD in terms of both response rate and relative reduction of serum or urine M component,1 and these results are being confirmed in multicenter randomised ongoing trials.2 A major drawback of thalidomide is represented by its side effects; more than half of the patients complain about lethargy and constipation, deep venous thromboses occur in up to 15-20% of newly diagnosed patients treated with thalidomide-dexamethasone unless a proper prophylaxis is performed3-4 grade ≥2 WHO peripheral neuropathy is reported in 60% of the patients treated longer than 1 year;5 the incidence and extent of side effects limit the usage of thalidomide in other hematological conditions such as Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis and, above all, myelofiblosis.1

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How to Cite

Tosi, P., Zamagni, E., Cangini, D., Tacchetti, P., Perrone, G., Ceccolini, M., & Cavo, M. (2009). Thalidomide analogs. Hematology Meeting Reports (formerly Haematologica Reports), 1(8). https://doi.org/10.4081/hmr.v1i8.292