Adverse effects of thalidomide administration, in patients with myeloma multiplex?

Abstract

Myeloma multiplex is defined by the presence of monoclonal plasma cell population in the bone marrow>10%,M protein in the serum and/or urine ,and clinical evidence of end organ damage like hypercalcemia ,renal failure, anemia, or bone lesions. In the most hematologic malignancies the role of induction treatment is to achieve complete remission (CR). Thalidomide became a new therapeutic approach but use of Thalidomide as a single agent or combination with steroids or chemotherapy is associated with several side effects like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral neuropathy (PN), constipation, somnolence, pyrexia, pain, fatigue osteonecrosis of jaw, and teratogenicity that is the most worrying adverse event. Risk of appearance of DVT increased if we use combination of Thalidomide plus Dexamethasone plus cytotoxic chemotherapy such Cyclophosphamide. >30% DVT usually occurs during the first months of treatment and is more frequent in newly diagnosed patients with a high tumor burden. The second side effect is peripheral neuropathy (PN) which occurs in 50% of patients with MM treated with Thalidomide plus Dexamethasone and chemotherapy.