During the same 30-day period, the FDA gave its approval for the use of Thalidomide and Revlimid for the treatment of bone marrow cancer. Thalidomide has always been a controversial drug ever since it became responsible for horrendous birth defects decades ago. You can read about the controversies, past and present, on our links supplied under myeloma news. Also, you can read about Beth Wolmer's historic effort in finding thalidomide for her dying husband in "Sketches of Strength, Chapter 2- A Love Story." You can also read about Dr. Mel's expereince with both thalidomide and revlimid in a story below, "A Blockbuster Month."

According to an Associated Press story, "The Food and Drug Administration approved the drugs for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, agency spokeswoman Laura Alvey said. Multiple myeloma refers to cancers that affect cells in the bone marrow that are key to fighting infection."

Thalidomide and Revlimid, made by Celgene Corp. of Summit, N.J., have both now been approved for use in treating multiple myeloma, in conjunction with dexamethasone, a standard chemotherapy treatment.

Thalodimide is one of the drugs that Dr. Mel has been taking for years in his battle with multiple myeloma. He began taking thalidomide in late 1998, Halloween weekend. At the time, nobody was sure of the proper dosing, and he took as much as 800 mg/day, even briefly 1600 mg. Now, the typical dose is anywhere from 50 to 400 mg, most often around 200. In combination with dexamethasone, the effect of thalidomide is greatly enhanced, so the dose is naturally lowered, but even at the lower dose, blood clots and peripherial neuropathy become serious problems for many. But the side effects are generally manageable, and the positive effects in attacking the myeloma cell is huge. Dr. Mel's cancer turned around when he took thalidomide. After two years on thalidomide, he went on a trial for revimid which had a name change along the way - revlimid(with an "l"). He was on revlimid alone at 25 mg for two years and a combination of dex and revlimid for nearly 4 years. He has never felt better, and his cancer protein is currently at its lowest point. Revlimid is a derivative of thalidomide, and is stronger is some regards, but with fewer, and less powerful side effects. Still blood clots and neuropathy have been reported. Revlimid's long-awaited approval by the FDA was approved within 30 days of thalidomide's approval. 

But even with all this advanced therapy, for Dr. Mel, still, small amounts of cancer protein are being generated. The amounts that show up during blood work seem insignificant but they tell us that somehere within the molecular structure of the cells and genes, these are still being generated, and if treatment is stopped, they will likely take over once again. So, there is still the illusive cure that is out there, but we are getting closer, and the new drugs in combination with each other and standard therapy open all kinds of possibilities, some still not yet foreseen. Multiple myeloma is under attack.

You can read the details of the FDA approval of thalidomide in a story at WTNH.com, and below you can read Dr. Mel's experience with both thalidomide and revlimid.