Thalidomide

[Neel]

Hi all,
Just wanted to know what is the reponse rate of thalidomide. What can be the expectation by taking this drug and what are the likely complications.

regards,

neel

[Birgitta-A]

Hi Neel,
Studies about Thalidomide show 30-50 % response rate. Many studies are old because they now try Revlimid or Pomalidimide (not approved yet). Here is a study with 59 % response: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16351636

Now they don’t give so high doses of Thalidomide – 50 mg/day is common and they give Prednisone initially 30 mg/day tapered during 3 months that increases the response rate.

Neuropathy (nerve damage) is a dreaded adverse effect but with the low dose administration that is not so common. Then you can get obstipation but that can always be prevented with the fruit and vegetables. The drug should be taken at evenings because you will be tired.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A
Thalidomide 50 mg 4 caps/week due to low WBCs and Prednisone 5 mg/day because I asked my doctor if I could continue with that dose. When I started June 2010 I got 2 units of blood/week. No transfusions since Sept 2010. Latest HGB 12.7 Platelets up from 22 to 112.

[Neel]

Thanx brig for ur inputs, From this forum and seraching on the net, i havent find much good inputs in regard to thalidomide. One of the best case is knstone, who has responded so well to thalidomide. Hope it keeps on working for him and u too brig.

ppl let me know is it worthwhile giving thalidomide a try. Moreover like revlimid can thalidomide dec the already low platelet count and TLC count ?

Regards

Neel