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A lower dose of thalidomide is better than a high dose in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Author(s) -
Srinivas Sandy,
Guardino Alice E.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2005.05680.x
Subject(s) - thalidomide , medicine , regimen , renal cell carcinoma , urology , oncology , multiple myeloma
OBJECTIVE To conduct a dose‐finding trial using a single low dose and dose escalation of a higher dose of thalidomide in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and to evaluate the antineoplastic effectiveness of thalidomide as an anti‐angiogenic agent on RCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The 14 patients enrolled in the study had progressive measurable metastatic RCC and consented to participate. Patients were randomized to either a fixed low dose of 200 mg of thalidomide or to a high dose of 800 mg that was increased to a maximum dose of 1200 mg daily. Patients were evaluated for response after 8 weeks of therapy. RESULTS Stable disease was achieved in six patients and was seen in both the low‐dose and high‐dose thalidomide groups. The median overall survival was 9 months. The low‐dose thalidomide regimen was better tolerated and patients survived longer than those on the high‐dose regimen (16 vs 6 months, P = 0.04) CONCLUSION The use of low‐dose thalidomide in patients with metastatic RCC was well tolerated and they survived for longer than those on the high‐dose regimen.