Thalidomide: Research advances in cancer and other conditions
Thalidomide: Research advances in cancer and other conditionsIn the 1950s and the early 1960s, thalidomide was used by several thousand pregnant women across the world to ease their morning sickness. But many who took thalidomide in the early stages of pregnancy gave birth to babies with severe birth defects, such as shortened or missing arms or legs. Now, decades later, thalidomide isn't used for morning sickness. But it has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat one skin condition and a type of cancer, and it's being investigated as a treatment for many other disorders. Thalidomide proves useful for skin lesions and multiple myelomaResearch into potential uses for thalidomide has determined that thalidomide is an effective treatment for erythema nodosum leprosum — skin lesions caused by leprosy. The FDA has approved thalidomide (Thalomid) for this use. Thalidomide has also proved useful in the treatment of multiple myeloma — a blood and bone marrow cancer. The FDA has approved thalidomide, in conjunction with dexamethasone, for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Thalidomide appears to slow the growth of myeloma cells and prevent them from attaching to bone marrow cells. Areas of thalidomide researchResearchers continue to investigate thalidomide for use in treating a variety of diseases and conditions. Though more study is needed, thalidomide has shown promise in treating:
Special procedures required to prevent pregnancyIf you and your doctor decide thalidomide is appropriate for you, you will need to agree to the terms of a restricted distribution program required by the FDA to prevent birth defects. As part of this program, you will:
If you suspect you're pregnant, stop taking thalidomide and contact your doctor immediately. Remember: No method of birth control is completely reliable except for avoiding sexual intercourse. Side effects other than birth defectsPeople taking thalidomide might also experience other side effects, such as:
Take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Check with your doctor before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications. Creating a safer thalidomideDrugs that work like thalidomide but have fewer side effects may one day be available. Researchers are working on thalidomide analogs — drugs chemically similar to thalidomide. Lenalidomide (Revlimid) is one such analog. This drug is approved for myelodysplastic syndrome (with 5q- syndrome) and advanced multiple myeloma. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about thalidomide. Understanding thalidomide's history, its risks and its potential benefits can help you decide if it's right for you. RelatedLast Updated: 2010-12-18 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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