TY - JOUR
T1 - Palliative oncology
T2 - Thalidomide
AU - Prommer, Eric E.
PY - 2010/5
Y1 - 2010/5
N2 - After decades of disuse because of its teratogenic effects, thalidomide has had a resurgence of use as a promising therapeutic agent for multiple myeloma. Its mechanism of action involves activation of the immune system, antiangiogenic effects, and inhibition of cytokines. Thalidomide does not interact with the cytochrome oxidase system. It is not significantly metabolized, but it does undergo nonenzymatic hydrolysis in plasma. The resulting products are inactive. Despite the potential adverse effects of peripheral neuropathy, constipation, deep vein thrombosis, somnolence, rash, and orthostatic hypotension, thalidomide is an effective first-line agent for multiple myeloma in combination with dexamethasone or melphalan and prednisone. It has also been studied in the palliative care of patients with cytokine-based syndromes such as anorexia-cachexia syndrome. This review describes its use in oncology, hematology, and palliative care.
AB - After decades of disuse because of its teratogenic effects, thalidomide has had a resurgence of use as a promising therapeutic agent for multiple myeloma. Its mechanism of action involves activation of the immune system, antiangiogenic effects, and inhibition of cytokines. Thalidomide does not interact with the cytochrome oxidase system. It is not significantly metabolized, but it does undergo nonenzymatic hydrolysis in plasma. The resulting products are inactive. Despite the potential adverse effects of peripheral neuropathy, constipation, deep vein thrombosis, somnolence, rash, and orthostatic hypotension, thalidomide is an effective first-line agent for multiple myeloma in combination with dexamethasone or melphalan and prednisone. It has also been studied in the palliative care of patients with cytokine-based syndromes such as anorexia-cachexia syndrome. This review describes its use in oncology, hematology, and palliative care.
KW - Anorexia-cachexia
KW - Cytokines
KW - Thalidomide
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77952233991&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=77952233991&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/1049909109348981
DO - 10.1177/1049909109348981
M3 - Review article
C2 - 19843880
AN - SCOPUS:77952233991
SN - 1049-9091
VL - 27
SP - 198
EP - 204
JO - American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
JF - American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
IS - 3
ER -