Cited by 246Multiple Myeloma Research and TreatmentsProtein Degradation and InhibitorsImmunotoxicology and immune responses

The thalidomide saga

Melchert, Magda, List, Alan·2007·The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, thalidomide has been a target of active investigation in both malignant and inflammatory conditions. Although initially developed for its sedative properties, decades of investigation have identified a multitude of biological effects that led to its classification as an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD). In addition to suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), thalidomide effects the generation and elaboration of a cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate cytotoxic T-cells even in the absence of co-stimulatory signals. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and beta fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) secretion and cellular response are suppressed by thalidomide, thus antagonizing neoangiogenesis and altering the bone marrow stromal microenvironment in hematologic malignancies. The thalidomide analogs, lenalidomide (CC-5013; Revlimid) and CC-4047 (Actimid), have enhanced potency as inhibitors of TNF-alpha and other inflammatory cytokines, as well as greater capacity to promote T-cell activation and suppress angiogenesis. Both thalidomide and lenalidomide are effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes for which the Food and Drug Administration granted recent approval. Nonetheless, each of these IMiDs remains the subject of active investigation in solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and other inflammatory conditions. This review will explore the pharmacokinetic and biologic effects of thalidomide and its progeny compounds.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.biocel.2007.01.022

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Authors
Melchert, M., & List, A.
Affiliations
Moffitt Cancer Center (US)
Corresponding author
Melchert, Magda
Venue
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2007-07
Volume
39
Issue
7-8
Pages
1489-1499
ISSN
1357-2725 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1977046091
Cited by
246
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 16
FWCI
2.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Multiple Myeloma Research and Treatments
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Protein Degradation and Inhibitors
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Immunotoxicology and immune responses
Keywords
thalidomide, lenalidomide, immunomodulators, anti-TNF therapy, inflammatory cytokines, T cell activation, angiogenesis inhibition, vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, bone marrow stromal microenvironment, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome, hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, pharmacokinetics
MeSH terms
Antineoplastic Agents, Humans, Immunosuppressive Agents, Lymphocyte Activation, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Neovascularization, Pathologic, T-Lymphocytes, Thalidomide, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Cytokines, Fibroblast Growth Factor 2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

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