Thalidomide: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Thalidomide.jpg|left|thumb|240px|Structure of thalidomide]]
'''Thalidomide''' is a [[biologic response modifier]] with an increasing number of applications in severe inflammatory, immune, or dermatologic diseases. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and immulomodulatory. Originally introduced as a sedative in the 1950s, it causes extreme fetal malformations or fetal death, and was unavailable for many years. A piperidinyl isoindole originally introduced as a non-barbiturate hypnotic, but withdrawn from the market due to teratogenic effects.<ref>{{MeSH}}</ref>
'''Thalidomide''' is a [[biologic response modifier]] with an increasing number of applications in severe inflammatory, immune, or dermatologic diseases. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and immulomodulatory. Originally introduced as a sedative in the 1950s, it causes extreme fetal malformations or fetal death, and was unavailable for many years. A piperidinyl isoindole originally introduced as a non-barbiturate hypnotic, but withdrawn from the market due to teratogenic effects.<ref>{{MeSH}}</ref>
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Physicians are cautiously approaching it for a number of disorders. Even though its mechanisms have not been fully characterized, it has a number of unique features.<ref>{{citation
Physicians are cautiously approaching it for a number of disorders. Even though its mechanisms have not been fully characterized, it has a number of unique features.<ref>{{citation
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==Indications==
==Indications==
It was reintroduced for the narrow indication of preventing and treating severe skin reactions in [[leprosy]], and for [[multiple myeloma]].  Approved usages as an [[orphan drug]] extended to [[AIDS wasting syndrome]],  prevention and treatment of severe recurrent aphthous stomatitis in severely, terminally immunocompromised patients†; prevention and treatment of [[graft-versus-host disease]] in patients receiving bone marrow transplantation; treatment of clinical manifestations of both tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial infection; treatment of [[Crohn’s disease]]; and treatment of primary brain tumors.  
It was reintroduced for the narrow indication of preventing and treating severe skin reactions in [[leprosy]], and for [[multiple myeloma]].  Approved usages as an [[orphan drug]] extended to [[AIDS wasting syndrome]],  prevention and treatment of severe recurrent [[aphthous stomatitis]] in severely, terminally immunocompromised patients; prevention and treatment of [[graft-versus-host disease]] in patients receiving bone marrow transplantation; treatment of clinical manifestations of both tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial infection; treatment of [[Crohn’s disease]]; and treatment of primary brain tumors.  


In addition, thalidomide has been used for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and/or dermatologic disorders, treatment of various HIV-associated conditions, and treatment of various malignancies. <ref>{{citation
In addition, thalidomide has been used for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and/or dermatologic disorders, treatment of various HIV-associated conditions, and treatment of various malignancies. <ref>{{citation
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*Possible suppression of macrophage involvement of prostaglandin synthesis and modulation of [[interleukin-10]] and [[interleukin-12]] production by peripheral blood [[monocyte]]s.
*Possible suppression of macrophage involvement of prostaglandin synthesis and modulation of [[interleukin-10]] and [[interleukin-12]] production by peripheral blood [[monocyte]]s.


While its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects are complex, they appear different from those of other agents, including [[corticosteroid]]s, cyclosporin (e.g., [[cyclosporine]]) or macrolide (e.g., [[tacrolimus]]) immunosuppressants, [[pentoxifylline]], immunosuppressive purine analogs (e.g. [[azathioprine]]) and purine metabolism inhibitors (e.g., [[mycophenolic acid]]), and  [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]s.  
While its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects are complex, they appear different from those of other agents, including [[corticosteroid]]s, cyclosporin (e.g., [[cyclosporine]]) or macrolide (e.g., [[tacrolimus]]) immunosuppressants, [[pentoxifylline]], immunosuppressive purine analogs (e.g. [[azathioprine]]) and purine metabolism inhibitors (e.g., [[mycophenolic acid]]), and  [[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent]]s.  


It does not appear to interfere with antimicrobial defense mechanisms, lyphocyte proliferation, granuloma formation, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions.  
It does not appear to interfere with antimicrobial defense mechanisms, lymphocyte proliferation, granuloma formation, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions.  
==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

Revision as of 21:43, 17 August 2010

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Structure of thalidomide

Thalidomide is a biologic response modifier with an increasing number of applications in severe inflammatory, immune, or dermatologic diseases. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and immulomodulatory. Originally introduced as a sedative in the 1950s, it causes extreme fetal malformations or fetal death, and was unavailable for many years. A piperidinyl isoindole originally introduced as a non-barbiturate hypnotic, but withdrawn from the market due to teratogenic effects.[1]

Thalidomide is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. Female patients who receive it must use two forms of contraception.

Physicians are cautiously approaching it for a number of disorders. Even though its mechanisms have not been fully characterized, it has a number of unique features.[2]

Indications

It was reintroduced for the narrow indication of preventing and treating severe skin reactions in leprosy, and for multiple myeloma. Approved usages as an orphan drug extended to AIDS wasting syndrome, prevention and treatment of severe recurrent aphthous stomatitis in severely, terminally immunocompromised patients; prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease in patients receiving bone marrow transplantation; treatment of clinical manifestations of both tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial infection; treatment of Crohn’s disease; and treatment of primary brain tumors.

In addition, thalidomide has been used for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and/or dermatologic disorders, treatment of various HIV-associated conditions, and treatment of various malignancies. [3]

It has been used in Behcet's Syndrome.[4]

Pharmacology

While all of its mechanisms are not fully understood, its functions include:[5]

While its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects are complex, they appear different from those of other agents, including corticosteroids, cyclosporin (e.g., cyclosporine) or macrolide (e.g., tacrolimus) immunosuppressants, pentoxifylline, immunosuppressive purine analogs (e.g. azathioprine) and purine metabolism inhibitors (e.g., mycophenolic acid), and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

It does not appear to interfere with antimicrobial defense mechanisms, lymphocyte proliferation, granuloma formation, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions.

References

  1. Anonymous (2024), Thalidomide (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  2. Gordon JN, Goggin PM (2003), "Review: Thalidomide and its derivatives: emerging from the wilderness", Postgrad Med J 79: 127-132, DOI:10.1136/pmj.79.929.127
  3. Monograph: Thalidomide — Uses, American Society of Health System Pharmacists/Medscape
  4. George E. Ehrlich (15 March 1998), "Editorial: Behcet Disease and the Emergence of Thalidomide", Ann Intern Med 128 (6): 494-495
  5. Monograph: Thalidomide — Pharmacology, American Society of Health System Pharmacists/Medscape