The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved thalidomide in 2006 for use by people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma, according to the National Cancer Institute. To treat this type of cancer, thalidomide is typically combined with another drug called dexamethasone. Though its history carries negative connotations, the possible uses for this drug in fighting cancer and other diseases are promising.
History
Thalidomide was used in the late 1950s and early 1960s to help ease morning sickness in pregnant women, but it was later found to cause severe birth defects in the babies. Some women who took the drug in early pregnancy had babies that were missing or shortened limbs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Function
Although thalidomide stopped being prescribed for morning sickness caused by pregnancy, scientists found that it was effective in treating lesions caused by leprosy. The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of thalidomide for this purpose in 1998. In 2006, the drug was also approved, when combined with dexamethasone, to treat multiple myeloma. Thalidomide is also being studied in treating other conditions, such as various inflammatory diseases, mouth and throat ulcers caused by HIV and different kinds of cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Features
Although it is not definitively known how thalidomide works against cancer, the drug is categorized as an immunomodulating agent, according to the American Cancer Society. This means the drug affects the immune system in some way. The drug also interferes with the formation and growth of blood vessels that help feed tumors. When new blood vessels cannot grow, the tumor is starved of nutrients, and it starts dying.
Precautions
Patients who take thalidomide for cancer should give a complete medical history to the prescribing doctor. This drug can have adverse effects in people who have certain allergies, a history of seizures, have a history of blood pressure problems and women who are breastfeeding. It may also impair fertility, although this is not definitively known, the American Cancer Society says. The prescribing physician should be aware of all medications and supplements a patient is taking before prescribing thalidomide to avoid any adverse interactions.
Side Effects
Side effects of thalidomide can vary among individuals, and not everyone will have every side effect. This drug can cause drowsiness, increase the risk of blood clots, decrease blood pressure to the point of fainting and dizziness, cause serious skin reactions such as rash and blistering in the mouth. The drug can also cause peripheral neuropathy, which results from damage to certain nerves, causing tingling, burning, numbness and temperature sensitivity in the hands and feet, according to the American Cancer Society. Taking thalidomide may lower the white blood cell count; this can lead to an increased risk of infection. Less common side effects of thalidomide include confusion, diarrhea, constipation, weakness, weight gain and dry skin.
