[The thalidomide story: a new chapter]

Thalidomide, a medication the use of which was banned about forty years ago due to its teratogenic effect, has returned into use due to its anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory virtues. It is used now as a novel treatment in several malignant diseases as well as in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Recently it has been found that thalidomide may antagonize corneal blood vessels growth which is a late results of exposure to mustard gas. The story of thalidomide, which is very unusual, may serve as the snake symbol in medicine, to remind us about the possible double face of every medication, of which every physician should be aware.