Thalidomide: from teratogen to anti-angiogenic

Abstract

Thalidomide, infamous for its teratogenic potential is now emerging as a therapeutic option for many disorders owing to its immunomodulant and anti-angiogenic effect. The demonstration of its ability to inhibit experimental angiogenesis in corneal micro-pocket assay in experimental animals led to the speculation that it might prove to be effective in certain angiogenesis dependent tumors. However, contrary to expectations, it failed to prevent tumor growth in certain animal models. The clinical study evaluating the effects of thalidomide in large number of patients suffering from refractory myeloma have shown encouraging results. Further trials are in progress to evaluate its effects in various other malignancies. In this review, various experimental and clinical studies demonstrating anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effect of thalidomide are discussed with emphasis on its mechanism of action.