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Melphalan, Prednisone and Thalidomide
This combination uses melphalan (alkylating agent) and prednisone (corticosteroid) as backbone chemotherapy with thalidomide (immunomodulatory agent) to kill myeloma cells and enhance immune response.
This combination uses melphalan (alkylating agent) and prednisone (corticosteroid) as backbone chemotherapy with thalidomide (immunomodulatory agent) to kill myeloma cells and enhance immune response. Used for Multiple myeloma (newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory).
At a glance
| Generic name | Melphalan, Prednisone and Thalidomide |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Prednisone, Thalomid |
| Sponsor | Gruppo Italiano Studio Linfomi |
| Drug class | Combination chemotherapy with immunomodulatory agent |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Melphalan is a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent that cross-links DNA and causes cell death. Prednisone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties that enhances chemotherapy efficacy. Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) that enhances T-cell proliferation, increases TNF-alpha production, and has anti-angiogenic effects, working synergistically with the chemotherapy backbone.
Approved indications
- Multiple myeloma (newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory)
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Anemia
- Infection
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Thromboembolism
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
Key clinical trials
- Melphalan, Prednisone, and Thalidomide or Lenalidomide in Treating Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (PHASE3)
- A Study of JNJ-54767414 (HuMax CD38) (Anti-CD38 Monoclonal Antibody) in Combination With Backbone Treatments for the Treatment of Patients With Multiple Myeloma (PHASE1)
- Velcade, Melphalan, Prednisone And Thalidomide Versus Velcade, Melphalan, Prednisone in Multiple Myeloma Patients (PHASE3)
- Pharmacogenomic Study in Myeloma Patients Treated With Melphalan-prednisone-thalidomide or Lenalidomide-dexamethasone (NA)
- Study to Determine Efficacy and Safety of Lenalidomide Plus Low-dose Dexamethasone Versus Melphalan, Prednisone, Thalidomide in Patients With Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma (PHASE3)
- Melphalan, Prednisone and Thalidomide Versus Melphalan and Prednisone in Elderly Myeloma Patients (PHASE3)
- S0204 Thalidomide, Chemotherapy, and Peripheral Stem Cell Transplant in Treating Patients With Multiple Myeloma (PHASE2)
- Melphalan, Prednisone, Thalidomide and Defibrotide in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma Patients (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |