Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
10:44
Chemical Inactivation of the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cereblon by Pomalidomide-based Homo-PROTACs
Published on: May 15, 2019
[Thalidomide in oncological and hematological diseases]
Sanna-Maria Kivivuori1, Pekka Anttila
1HYKS, lasten veri- ja syöpätautien sekä kantasolusiirtoyksikkö, Lasten ja nuorten sairaala, PL 281, 0029 HUS.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja
|July 13, 2010
Summary
Thalidomide, once known for birth defects, is now valued for its antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects. It is cautiously used in myeloma therapy and pediatric brainstem tumor studies despite potential side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Context:
- Thalidomide's historical teratogenicity contrasted with its later discovered therapeutic properties.
- Recent decades have seen a resurgence in thalidomide research and clinical application.
- Understanding thalidomide's complex pharmacological profile is crucial for its safe use.
Purpose:
- To review the evolving understanding of thalidomide's therapeutic applications.
- To highlight its antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory mechanisms.
- To discuss current clinical uses and safety considerations.
Summary:
- Thalidomide, initially recognized for teratogenic effects, exhibits significant antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory activities.
- Current applications include multiple myeloma treatment and investigational use in pediatric brainstem tumors.
- Cautious administration is essential, particularly for fertile patients, due to teratogenicity and other adverse effects like thrombosis and polyneuropathy.
Impact:
- Re-evaluation of thalidomide demonstrates its value in specific oncological and potentially other therapeutic areas.
- Emphasizes the importance of risk-benefit assessment in drug repurposing.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the safe and effective use of thalidomide.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...