Thalidomide: an old drug with new clinical applications

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_2E296AB06986
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Thalidomide: an old drug with new clinical applications
Journal
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety
Author(s)
Laffitte  E., Revuz  J.
ISSN
1474-0338 (Print)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
01/2004
Volume
3
Number
1
Pages
47-56
Notes
Journal Article
Review --- Old month value: Jan
Abstract
Thalidomide has several targets and mechanisms of action: a hypnosedative effect, several immunomodulatory properties with an effect on the production of TNF-alpha and the balance between the different lymphocyte subsets and an antiangiogenic action. Thalidomide has been used in several cutaneous inflammatory disorders (e.g., erythema nodosum leprosum in lepromatous leprosy, cutaneous lupus erythematosus and severe aphtosis), cancers (e.g., relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma and systemic signs in cancer) and inflammatory conditions (e.g., Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis). Several side effects are associated with thalidomide. Some are major, such as teratogenicity, peripheral neuropathy and deep vein thrombosis. Somnolence and rash are frequently reported when thalidomide is used at higher doses as an anticarcinogenic agent and can lead to dose reduction or treatment discontinuation depending on severity. Minor side effects include abdominal pain and endocrine disturbances. To prevent the teratogenicity, use of thalidomide is strictly controlled in western countries with close adherence to a birth control programme. Close monitoring for early development of peripheral neuropathy is also recommended.
Keywords
Adjuvants, Immunologic/adverse effects/*therapeutic use Angiogenesis Inhibitors/adverse effects/*therapeutic use Clinical Trials Humans Hypnotics and Sedatives/adverse effects/*therapeutic use Inflammation/drug therapy Neoplasms/blood supply/drug therapy Practice Guidelines Skin Diseases/drug therapy Thalidomide/adverse effects/*therapeutic use Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/biosynthesis
Pubmed
Create date
25/01/2008 16:41
Last modification date
20/08/2019 13:12
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