A recent study has shown that thalidomide (Thalomid) given with prednisone can improve survival in multiple myeloma patients who have undergone autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Thalidomide has been known to be effective in patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory myeloma, but its effect after ASCT has not been known.

In this study, 269 patients with newly diagnosed but stable myeloma underwent ASCT that had been conditioned with single high-dose melphalan (Alkeran). After the ASCT, 129 of the patients were given prednisone-only therapy, while 114 received a prednisone-thalidomide combination. …

Chemotherapy, also known as anti-cancer agents or antineoplastics, is a treatment that kills cancer cells. It can be taken orally (by mouth), or intravenously (through the vein). High-risk multiple myeloma patients with advanced stages of myeloma are often treated with chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy aims to suppress multiple myeloma by targeting cancer cells which characteristically grow at uncontrollable rates. Chemotherapy is toxic to cancer cells and takes effect as the cells multiply. However, chemotherapy can also eliminate healthy cells - especially ones that divide rapidly in the body. For example, cells in the lining …

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is usually taken orally but can be delivered by intramuscular injection and can be used for a great number of different conditions. It has a mainly glucocorticoid effect. Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted by the liver into prednisolone, which is the active drug and also a steroid. [...]