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Thalidomide in Multiple Myeloma

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Tumor Angiogenesis

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Abstract

Thalidomide (Thal) has antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory activity. Clinical research has provided clear evidence that Thal is one of the most active drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma, leading to decrease of monoclonal protein of at least 50% in 30% of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Randomized trials based on a large body of evidence from phase II trials have determined that Thal significantly increases total response rate in combination regimens (dexamethasone and/or chemotherapy) for relapsed as well as newly diagnosed patients. Thal also increases time to response in combination therapy approaches. Thal has therefore been recognized by leading organizations as part of the treatment concept for patients with relapsed or refractory disease. Strict guidelines apply for the treatment and monitoring of Thal therapy to prevent its teratogenic effects and to monitor and prevent other potential adverse events as neuropathy and thrombosis. Additional randomized studies will now define the status of Thal for newly diagnosed patients and will form the basis for the approval of Thal in Europe and other countries worldwide.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. idrei research, Knesebeckstr. 30, 10623, Berlin, Germany

    PD Dr. Thomas M. Moehler

  2. Med. Klinik V, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Dr. Jens Hillengass

  3. Celgene GmbH, Joseph-Wild-Str. 20, D-81829, München, Germany

    PD Dr. Axel Glasmacher (Medizinischer Direktor)

  4. Leiter der Sektion Multiples Myelom, Medizinische Klinik V und Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Dr. Hartmut Goldschmidt (Professor)

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  1. PD Dr. Thomas M. Moehler
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  2. Dr. Jens Hillengass
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  3. PD Dr. Axel Glasmacher
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  4. Dr. Hartmut Goldschmidt
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Tumorbiologie, Breisacher Str. 117, 79106, Freiburg i. Br., Germany

    Dieter Marmé PhD (Professor) (Professor)

  2. DKFZ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Norbert Fusenig MD (Professor, former Head of Division of Carcinogenesis and Differentiation) (Professor, former Head of Division of Carcinogenesis and Differentiation)

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Moehler, T.M., Hillengass, J., Glasmacher, A., Goldschmidt, H. (2008). Thalidomide in Multiple Myeloma. In: Marmé, D., Fusenig, N. (eds) Tumor Angiogenesis. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-33177-3_43

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-33177-3_43

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