Development of thalidomide and its IMiD derivatives

Abstract

Despite its controversial past, the establishment of thalidomide as an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiangiogenic agent bolstered intense research into its mechanism of action and therapeutic range. The precise pharmacologic mechanism through which thalidomide exerts its activity is complex and not fully understood. The enhancement of thalidomide's immunomodulatory effects while minimizing the adverse reactions brought about a class of novel analogues termed the Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). This chapter reviews and highlights some of the clinical activities and development of thalidomide and its IMiDs derivatives in the treatment of hematological cancers and various solid tumors. © 2008 Springer US.