Unusual responses to thalidomide in refractory solid tumors

Abstract

AbstractDespite the positive impact of newer chemotherapeutic agents on responses and survival in patients with solid tumors, challenges in recurrent and metastatic solid tumors include acquired drug resistance, poor responses and poor tolerance by the patient. Use of antiangiogenic agents appears to be a logical, rational and effective approach. Of these agents, thalidomide has shown to specifically inhibit endothelial cell growth in various experimental animals. The advantages of thalidomide include the convenience of the oral route of administration and low toxicity profile. Furthermore, thalidomide has been found to be effective in cancer cachexia syndrome, chronic nausea, insomnia, profuse sweating and pain, which are often part of advanced malignancies. In this case report of six patients, we present encouraging responses to thalidomide used in a dose of 200 mg in patients with refractory solid tumors.