October 4, 2007

experts comment on use of Thalidomide to treat multiple myeloma in older people as published in the Lancet

Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow, has been successfully treated with thalidomide and could be used as a treatment option in the future, with particular benefits for the elderly.

Dr Neil Vargesson, Developmental Biologist, University of Aberdeen, said:

“Thalidomide has been used to treat Multiple myeloma for several years, some studies report side-effects with the drug during treatment, the majority report positive effects upon disease progression. This study is interesting, as it uses drugs, previously in use to treat the disease, in combination with thalidomide and shows that elderly patients benefit. This is a much easier treatment regimen for patients than some of the other treatment options, such as stem cell transplants etc. However if thalidomide is be used to treat multiple myeloma in this way, it needs to be in a carefully controlled and regulated manner, in order to prevent future teratogenic consequences to unborn children.”