Thalidomide may help in cancer cure

The four decade old controversial drug Thalidomide shows promise in the treatment of blood cancer, according to new research conducted by the prestigious Mayo Clinic. The finding has been published before the study has been completed by the researchers because the results were seen as significant. Out of the 16 patients who were studied, 14 made improvements with the drug, while the other two worsened. Six of the patients reportedly went into remission. In the 1960's, the drug thalidomide was administered to women who experienced morning sickness. It came under heavy criticism and was withdrawn from circulation when a number of children were born with mental retardation along with malformation of limbs. The study however, took care that the patients were beyond the child bearing age. This was made easier since the type of cancer that is proposed to be treated with the drug usually affects older people. This is a form of blood cancer called multiple myeloma. This disease is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the bone marrow. It has a high fatality rate and is very difficult to treat. The researchers also clarified that the drug has been used in patients whose cancer is in the last stage. They have cautioned against using the drug in the initial stages of the disease since more research is needed for that. Thalidomide acts by prohibiting the formation of new blood vessels. Since a tumour needs new blood vessels to spread to various parts of the body, it prevents the growth of the cancer. The drug has already been used to treat some forms of leprosy. The researchers presume that it may also be helpful in treating an eye disorder - macular degeneration, in which new blood vessels form in the retina and impair vision. The drug may have some side effects like constipation, fatigue, skin rashes and mild numbness of the limbs, but they are a small price to pay for the treatment that may add a few precious years to a patient's life.

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