Abstract
Experimental studies have demonstrated that thalidomide (Thal), a drug developed as a sedative, has antitumoural properties. The possible antitumour mechanisms of action involve: inhibition of angiogenesis, cytokine-mediated pathways, modulation of adhesion molecules, inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and stimulation of immuno response. Therefore, Thal is under clinical evaluation in oncology. This paper provides an overview of the data currently available in literature regarding, in terms of activity and toxicity, the use of Thal in cancer patients. Multiple myeloma is so far the most responsive malignancy. A moderate activity has been documented in certain solid tumours: glioblastoma multiforme, renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Tolerability is generally satisfactory with peripheral neuropathy being the most relevant dose-dependent toxicity. The more frequent, but moderate side effects are: somnolence, constipation, dizziness and fatigue. More studies are needed to properly evaluate the anticancer activity of Thal alone or in combination with other anticancer treatments. Preliminary studies suggest promising results of Thal in combinations with corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs as front-line therapy of multiple myeloma. Regarding therapy of solid tumours in the adult, combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and molecular-targeting compounds are under investigation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1211-1225 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 1 2003 |
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Keywords
- Angiogenesis
- Anticancer therapy
- Biological treatment
- Thalidomide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology
Cite this
Thalidomide : A new anticancer drug? / Fanelli, Massimo; Sarmiento, Roberta; Gattuso, Domenico; Carillio, Guido; Capaccetti, Barbara; Vacca, Angelo; Roccaro, Aldo Maria; Gasparini, Giampietro.
In: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, Vol. 12, No. 7, 01.07.2003, p. 1211-1225.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Thalidomide
T2 - A new anticancer drug?
AU - Fanelli, Massimo
AU - Sarmiento, Roberta
AU - Gattuso, Domenico
AU - Carillio, Guido
AU - Capaccetti, Barbara
AU - Vacca, Angelo
AU - Roccaro, Aldo Maria
AU - Gasparini, Giampietro
PY - 2003/7/1
Y1 - 2003/7/1
N2 - Experimental studies have demonstrated that thalidomide (Thal), a drug developed as a sedative, has antitumoural properties. The possible antitumour mechanisms of action involve: inhibition of angiogenesis, cytokine-mediated pathways, modulation of adhesion molecules, inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and stimulation of immuno response. Therefore, Thal is under clinical evaluation in oncology. This paper provides an overview of the data currently available in literature regarding, in terms of activity and toxicity, the use of Thal in cancer patients. Multiple myeloma is so far the most responsive malignancy. A moderate activity has been documented in certain solid tumours: glioblastoma multiforme, renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Tolerability is generally satisfactory with peripheral neuropathy being the most relevant dose-dependent toxicity. The more frequent, but moderate side effects are: somnolence, constipation, dizziness and fatigue. More studies are needed to properly evaluate the anticancer activity of Thal alone or in combination with other anticancer treatments. Preliminary studies suggest promising results of Thal in combinations with corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs as front-line therapy of multiple myeloma. Regarding therapy of solid tumours in the adult, combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and molecular-targeting compounds are under investigation.
AB - Experimental studies have demonstrated that thalidomide (Thal), a drug developed as a sedative, has antitumoural properties. The possible antitumour mechanisms of action involve: inhibition of angiogenesis, cytokine-mediated pathways, modulation of adhesion molecules, inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and stimulation of immuno response. Therefore, Thal is under clinical evaluation in oncology. This paper provides an overview of the data currently available in literature regarding, in terms of activity and toxicity, the use of Thal in cancer patients. Multiple myeloma is so far the most responsive malignancy. A moderate activity has been documented in certain solid tumours: glioblastoma multiforme, renal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Tolerability is generally satisfactory with peripheral neuropathy being the most relevant dose-dependent toxicity. The more frequent, but moderate side effects are: somnolence, constipation, dizziness and fatigue. More studies are needed to properly evaluate the anticancer activity of Thal alone or in combination with other anticancer treatments. Preliminary studies suggest promising results of Thal in combinations with corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs as front-line therapy of multiple myeloma. Regarding therapy of solid tumours in the adult, combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and molecular-targeting compounds are under investigation.
KW - Angiogenesis
KW - Anticancer therapy
KW - Biological treatment
KW - Thalidomide
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0038445682&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0038445682&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1517/eoid.12.7.1211.21760
DO - 10.1517/eoid.12.7.1211.21760
M3 - Article
C2 - 12831355
AN - SCOPUS:0038445682
VL - 12
SP - 1211
EP - 1225
JO - Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
JF - Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
SN - 1354-3784
IS - 7
ER -