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Alleviation of systemic manifestations of multicentric Castleman's disease by thalidomide
Author(s) -
Lee FaChyi,
Merchant Shakil H.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.10310
Subject(s) - thalidomide , medicine , disease , lymphoproliferative disorders , castleman disease , etiology , cytokine , immunology , chemotherapy , interleukin 6 , dermatology , pathology , oncology , lymphoma , multiple myeloma
Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. Although HHV‐8 (human herpesvirus type 8) has been suggested as a possible etiologic agent in a subpopulation of cases, appropriate treatment of the HHV‐8 infection has not produced regression of the disease. Additionally, other treatment modalities, including steroids and various regimens of chemotherapy, do not consistently provide good control of the disease. Clinical signs and symptoms of the disease are primarily mediated by cytokines, especially interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). We report a case of multicentric Castleman's disease that responded dramatically to single agent thalidomide. A powerful cytokine disruptor, thalidomide may have good therapeutic efficacy in treating MCD and related cytokine‐mediated disorders. Am. J. Hematol. 73:48–53, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.