TY - JOUR KW - Adjuvants, Immunologic KW - Cachexia KW - Crohn Disease KW - Graft vs Host Disease KW - Hematologic Neoplasms KW - Humans KW - leprosy KW - Neoplasms KW - Oral Ulcer KW - Rheumatic Diseases KW - Risk Factors KW - Skin Diseases KW - Thalidomide AU - Gordon J N AU - Goggin P M AB -

Forty years on from its worldwide withdrawal, thalidomide is currently undergoing a remarkable renaissance as a novel and powerful immunomodulatory agent. Over the last decade it has been found to be active in a wide variety of inflammatory and malignant disorders where conventional therapies have failed. Recently, considerable progress has been made in elucidating its complex mechanisms of action, which include both anticytokine and antiangiogenic properties. However, in addition to its well known teratogenic potential, it has a significant side effect profile that leads to cessation of treatment in up to 30% of subjects. In response to this, two new classes of potentially safer and non-teratogenic derivatives have recently been developed. This review summarises the biological effects, therapeutic applications, safety profile, and future potential of thalidomide and its derivatives.

BT - Postgraduate medical journal C1 - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12697909?dopt=Abstract DA - 2003 Mar DO - 10.1136/pmj.79.929.127 IS - 929 J2 - Postgrad Med J LA - eng N2 -

Forty years on from its worldwide withdrawal, thalidomide is currently undergoing a remarkable renaissance as a novel and powerful immunomodulatory agent. Over the last decade it has been found to be active in a wide variety of inflammatory and malignant disorders where conventional therapies have failed. Recently, considerable progress has been made in elucidating its complex mechanisms of action, which include both anticytokine and antiangiogenic properties. However, in addition to its well known teratogenic potential, it has a significant side effect profile that leads to cessation of treatment in up to 30% of subjects. In response to this, two new classes of potentially safer and non-teratogenic derivatives have recently been developed. This review summarises the biological effects, therapeutic applications, safety profile, and future potential of thalidomide and its derivatives.

PY - 2003 SP - 127 EP - 32 T2 - Postgraduate medical journal TI - Thalidomide and its derivatives: emerging from the wilderness. VL - 79 SN - 0032-5473 ER -