Side Effects of thalidomide: A Synthesis of Findings from 11 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Thalidomide has shown effectiveness in treating multiple myeloma, particularly in relapsed or refractory cases. 4 , 6

The response rate is higher when thalidomide is combined with steroids. 4

While thalidomide can provide durable survival, it has notable side effects, leading to dose reduction or discontinuation in a significant number of patients. 4

Reasons for Side Effects

Thalidomide's side effects stem from its multifaceted pharmacological actions, impacting both tumor cells and normal cells. 7

Common Side Effects

Neuropathy

A common side effect of thalidomide is neuropathy, affecting the nerves and causing numbness or pain, primarily in the hands and feet. 4 , 8 , 10 ,

Constipation

Constipation is a frequently reported side effect of thalidomide. 4

Thromboembolic Events

Thalidomide can increase the risk of blood clots, a condition known as thromboembolic events. 4

Other Side Effects

Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and fatigue. 6

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Neuropathy

Adjusting thalidomide dosage or administering medications to alleviate nerve-related symptoms can help manage neuropathy. 8 , 5

Constipation

Maintaining adequate hydration and consuming a fiber-rich diet are crucial for preventing constipation. 4

Thromboembolic Events

Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, exercise, and weight management, can help lower the risk of blood clots. Additionally, taking blood thinners as prescribed by a doctor is essential. 4

Comparison between Studies

Common Points of Studies

Across multiple studies, thalidomide has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in treating multiple myeloma. 4 , 6 , 8 , 5

Common side effects reported include neuropathy, constipation, and thromboembolic events. 4 , 8 ,

Differences between Studies

Variations in the effectiveness of thalidomide and the frequency of side effects can be observed between different studies. Factors such as patient age, disease severity, thalidomide dosage, and other treatments likely contribute to these differences. 6 , 5

For instance, 6 highlights the increased risk of thalidomide side effects in older patients and those with vascular or metabolic conditions. 5 suggests that lowering thalidomide dosages could potentially reduce side effect risk.

Points to Note Regarding Application to Real Life

Thalidomide, while effective in treating various diseases, carries significant side effect risks. Therefore, its use should always be under a doctor's guidance. 7

If you are considering taking thalidomide, it is crucial to provide your doctor with a comprehensive medical history, including any existing conditions and other medications you are taking. 7

Regular medical checkups are essential while taking thalidomide. 7

Thalidomide poses a severe risk of birth defects when taken by pregnant women. Therefore, it is strictly prohibited for pregnant women or those who may become pregnant. 7

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of thalidomide is still ongoing, and our understanding of long-term side effects remains limited. 4 , 8 ,

Future Research Directions Needed

Further research is essential to fully understand the long-term side effects associated with thalidomide. 4 , 8 ,

The development of new treatments aimed at mitigating thalidomide's side effects is highly desirable. 8 , 5

Conclusion

Thalidomide, while an effective treatment option for various diseases, carries significant side effect risks. Its use should always be under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 7

Our understanding of thalidomide's side effects is still evolving. Continued research focused on long-term side effects and the development of new treatments to minimize side effects are crucial. 4 , 8 , , 5

Literature analysis of 11 papers
Positive Content
11
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
0
Article Type
3
0
0
2
10
1.

[Results of a double-blind study comparing the effects of timolol and pilocarpine in 110 patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma].

Author: PlaneC, SoleP, HamardH, VidalR, OurgaudA G, ChagnonA

Glaucoma treatment
Timolol efficacy

Timolol administered twice daily provided satisfactory intraocular pressure control in 81.8% of patients with open-angle glaucoma, compared to only 41.8% of patients treated with pilocarpine. Timolol was associated with fewer side effects than pilocarpine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : French

2.

Changes in depressive status associated with topical beta-blockers.

Author: DuchS, DuchC, PastóL, FerrerP

Less depression
Depression risk

Betaxolol may be less likely than timolol to induce depression in predisposed patients. In a small study of glaucomatous patients, those treated with timolol had higher depression scores than those treated with betaxolol.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Systemic bioavailability and cardiopulmonary effects of 0.5% timolol eyedrops.

Author: KorteJuha-Matti, KailaTimo, SaariK Matti

Lowered IOP
Systemic beta-blockade

Ophthalmic timolol resembles intravenous timolol in terms of systemic bioavailability, plasma kinetics, and cardiopulmonary effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Long-term outcome in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma treated with thalidomide. Balancing efficacy and side-effects.

Author: CorsoAlessandro, ZappasodiPatrizia, BarbaranoLuciana, PetrucciMaria Teresa, PalumboAntonio, CaravitaTommaso, MangiacavalliSilvia, CafroAnna Maria, VarettoniMarzia, GayFrancesca, MorraEnrica, LazzarinoMario

Durable survival
High response rate
Constipation
Neuropathy
Thromboembolic events

Thalidomide has been used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). This study assessed the long-term efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide, either alone or in combination with steroids, in patients with MM. The study found that thalidomide produced a high response rate with varying outcomes based on response quality and duration.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

6.

Low-dose thalidomide plus monthly high-dose oral dexamethasone (Thali-Dexa): results, prognostic factors and side effects in eight patients previously treated with multiple myeloma.

Author: BemardeschiP, DenticoP, RossiS, FiorentiniG, GiustariniG, TuranoE

Multiple myeloma treatment
Stable disease remission
Early death
Progressive disease

Thalidomide and dexamethasone together (Thali-Dexa) can be used to treat multiple myeloma. In a study of 8 patients, 3 had stable disease remission for 4 to 16 months, while 2 needed higher doses of thalidomide. However, 2 patients died early from complications. Thali-Dexa is effective, but older patients with vascular or metabolic problems have higher risk of side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

7.

Thalidomide: dermatological indications, mechanisms of action and side-effects.

Author: WuJ J, HuangD B, PangK R, HsuS, TyringS K

Dermatological treatment
Erythema nodosum leprosum treatment
Birth defects

This paper reviews the history, pharmacology, mechanism of action, clinical uses, and adverse effects of thalidomide. Thalidomide, once withdrawn from the market due to teratogenicity, has seen a resurgence in medical applications. It is now approved for treating erythema nodosum leprosum and has shown effectiveness in various other dermatological conditions.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Common and rare side-effects of low-dose thalidomide in multiple myeloma: focus on the dose-minimizing peripheral neuropathy.

Author: OffidaniMassimo, CorvattaLaura, MarconiMonica, MalerbaLara, MeleAnna, OlivieriAttilio, BrunoriMarino, CatariniMassimo, CandelaMarco, CapelliDebora, MontanariMauro, RupoliSerena, LeoniPietro

Multiple myeloma treatment
Reduced peripheral neuropathy
Toxicity

This study investigated the common and rare side effects of thalidomide, a medication used to treat multiple myeloma, with a focus on peripheral neuropathy.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Dermatologic side effects of thalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma.

Author: HallVirginia C, El-AzharyRokea A, BouwhuisSaskia, RajkumarS Vincent

Erythema nodosum leprosum treatment
Severe skin reactions
Skin eruptions

Thalidomide treatment can cause dermatologic side effects, with a higher prevalence than previously reported. These side effects are usually minor but can be severe, particularly when thalidomide is given with dexamethasone.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

10.

Rediscovering thalidomide: a review of its mechanism of action, side effects, and potential uses.

Author: TsengS, PakG, WashenikK, PomeranzM K, ShupackJ L

Dermatologic diseases treatment
Peripheral neuropathy
Teratogenicity

Thalidomide has been found effective in treating various dermatologic diseases, including erythema nodosum leprosum, prurigo nodularis, and discoid lupus erythematosus. However, teratogenicity and peripheral neuropathy remain its limiting factors.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

Thalidomide and discoid lupus erythematosus: case series and review of literature.

Author: MalaraGiovanna, VerduciChiara, AltomonteMaria, CuzzolaMaria, TrifiròCaterina, PolitiCristina, TripepiGiovanni

Dermatological treatment
Neurotoxicity
Teratogenicity

Thalidomide is an off-label anti-inflammatory drug for severe, refractory dermatologic conditions. While effective, it carries neurotoxic and teratogenic risks, limiting its use to only the most serious cases.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

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