Thalidomide for resistant and relapsing myeloma

Few options are available to induce remission in patients with resistant or relapsing multiple myeloma. On the basis of encouraging results from a previous clinical trial of thalidomide for patients with myeloma resistant to standard therapies, we treated 45 similar patients. Remission of disease, defined by greater than 50% reduction of serum myeloma protein production and/or greater than 75% reduction of Bence Jones protein, was achieved in 26% of patients (11 of 43) with evaluable data. Side effects were frequent, but usually mild and reversible. Thalidomide is an effective agent for many patients with refractory multiple myeloma and should be evaluated further in rational drug combinations and as maintenance therapy. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.