Thalidomide, initially developed as a sedative and anti-nausea drug in the 1950s, was later found to have potential anticancer properties. While it is infamous for causing severe birth defects when taken by pregnant women, it has been repurposed for treating certain cancers and other diseases. Here are some of the known anticancer effects of thalidomide:
- Antiangiogenesis: Thalidomide can inhibit the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in tumors, effectively starving the tumor cells and preventing their growth and spread.
- Immunomodulation: Thalidomide enhances the immune system’s response against cancer cells by stimulating T-cells, natural killer cells, and other immune cells. It also inhibits the production of certain cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which can contribute to inflammation and tumor growth.
- Inhibition of cell proliferation: Thalidomide can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by interfering with cell cycle progression, ultimately leading to cell death.
- Induction of apoptosis: Thalidomide can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells by activating various signaling pathways, such as the caspase cascade.
- Modulation of adhesion molecules: Thalidomide can affect the expression of adhesion molecules in cancer cells, impairing their ability to adhere to other cells or the extracellular matrix, thereby hindering metastasis.
- Inhibition of proteasome activity: Thalidomide can inhibit the proteasome, a cellular complex responsible for degrading proteins, which in turn can lead to the accumulation of toxic proteins and the death of cancer cells.
- Downregulation of oncogenes: Thalidomide may help downregulate the expression of certain oncogenes, which are genes that can promote the development and growth of cancer.
- Managing cancer cachexia: The immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties of thalidomide are thought to help reduce the muscle wasting associated with cachexia. Preliminary studies of thalidomide have shown encouraging results.
It is important to note that while thalidomide has shown promising anticancer effects, its use is limited due to its potential for causing birth defects. It is primarily used in the treatment of multiple myeloma and certain cases of leprosy. Before initiating thalidomide treatment, women within the reproductive age range must obtain a negative pregnancy test and consistently employ two reliable contraceptive methods, with pregnancy tests conducted every four weeks. Men prescribed thalidomide must either abstain from sexual activity or utilize a latex condom to minimize risks. Danshen is used to prevent a potential risk of blood clots when using thalidomide.
References:
Stewart AK. Medicine. How thalidomide works against cancer. Science. 2014 Jan 17;343(6168):256-7.
Telleria CM. Drug Repurposing for Cancer Therapy. J Cancer Sci Ther. 2012 Jul 21;4(7):ix-xi.
