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Published on: May 15, 2019
Long term use of thalidomide: safe and effective
1Department of Medical Oncology, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. atul1@hotmail.com
Indian Journal of Cancer
|February 6, 2008
Summary
Long-term thalidomide therapy is safe and effective for relapsed or refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM). This study shows significant M protein reduction and good response rates in MM patients receiving extended thalidomide treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy.
- Relapsed or refractory MM presents significant treatment challenges.
- Long-term therapeutic options are crucial for managing advanced MM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-dose thalidomide therapy over an extended duration.
- To assess long-term outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM) treated with thalidomide.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 12 relapsed/refractory MM patients received thalidomide for over 2 years.
- Thalidomide dosage started at 200 mg/day, escalating to a maximum of 800 mg/day.
- Treatment response was assessed via M protein levels, bone marrow biopsy, and skeletal X-rays.
Main Results:
- Nine patients tolerated 800 mg/day, three received 600 mg/day.
- All patients achieved a 25-50% decline in M proteins.
- Complete/near-complete response in 50%, partial response in 17%, and minimal response in 34% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Long-term thalidomide therapy demonstrates safety, efficacy, and feasibility in relapsed/refractory MM.
- This study contributes evidence for the sustained benefit of thalidomide in advanced MM.
- Extended thalidomide use is a viable strategy for managing challenging MM cases.
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