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[Thalidomide therapy in patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma]
Naoya Ochiai1, Chihiro Shimazaki, Ryo Uchida
1Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Second Department of Medicine.
Summary
Thalidomide, alone or with dexamethasone, shows promise for treating refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma patients. High basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels correlated with positive responses in this study.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy often treated with conventional chemotherapy.
- Refractory or relapsed myeloma patients exhibit resistance to standard treatments.
- Thalidomide represents a therapeutic option for these challenging cases.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of thalidomide, alone or combined with dexamethasone, in patients with refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma.
- To assess adverse effects and potential biomarkers of response.
Summary:
- Seven patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma received thalidomide (100-300 mg/day).
- Two of six evaluable patients responded to thalidomide alone; three of four non-responders subsequently responded to thalidomide plus dexamethasone.
- Common adverse effects included sleepiness and pancytopenia; four patients required dose reduction.
- Elevated baseline plasma basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels were observed in responding patients.
Impact:
- Thalidomide, with or without dexamethasone, is a feasible and effective treatment for refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma.
- Further research is needed to define thalidomide's role in multiple myeloma treatment strategies.
- Plasma bFGF may serve as a predictive biomarker for thalidomide response.