Drug Formulary information is intended for use by healthcare professionals. It is not intended to be medical advice. Some of the information, including information about funding for cancer drugs, does not apply to all patients. Cancer treatment plans are unique to each patient. If you are a patient, please speak with your healthcare team to understand how this information applies to you.
THAL
Regimen is considered appropriate as part of the standard care of patients; meaningfully improves outcomes (survival, quality of life), tolerability or costs compared to alternatives (recommended by the Disease Site Team and national consensus body e.g. pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review, pCODR). Recommendation is based on an appropriately conducted phase III clinical trial relevant to the Canadian context OR (where phase III trials are not feasible) an appropriately sized phase II trial. Regimens where one or more drugs are not approved by Health Canada for any indication will be identified under Rationale and Use.
For the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
| thalidomide | 50 to 200* mg | PO | Daily |
| (This drug is not currently publicly funded for this regimen and intent) | |||
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*Maximum starting dose in patients ≤ 75 years: 200 mg daily; for patients > 75 years: 100 mg daily
Thalidomide is only available through a controlled distribution program- RevAid®. For more information, please call 1-888-revaid1 (1-888-738-2431) or visit www.revaid.ca
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Minimal – No routine prophylaxis; PRN recommended
Other Supportive Care:
- Prophylactic anticoagulants should be used, especially in patients with other risk factors and for at least the first five months of treatment.
- Patients at risk of tumour lysis syndrome should have appropriate prophylaxis and be monitored closely.
Also refer to CCO Antiemetic Recommendations.
Doses should be modified according to the protocol by which the patient is being treated. The following recommendations have been adapted from clinical trials or product monographs and could be considered.
Dosage with toxicity
Dose levels (thalidomide):
|
Dose level |
Age ≤ 75 years |
Age > 75 years |
|
0 |
200 mg daily |
100 mg daily |
|
-1 |
100 mg daily |
50 mg daily |
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-2 |
50 mg daily |
50 mg every other day |
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-3 |
50 mg every other day |
Discontinue |
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Toxicity |
Thalidomide Dose and Action |
|
ANC < 1.5 (x 109/L) |
No change |
|
Grade 3 or 4 thromboembolism |
Hold, ensure adequately anticoagulated. Maintain dose level unless occurred despite adequate anticoagulation; if so, discontinue |
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Grade 3 neurotoxicity |
Hold until resolves to ≤ grade 1, then decrease by 1 dose level |
|
Grade 4 neurotoxicity |
Discontinue |
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Grade 3 rash or mild hypersensitivity |
Hold until rash resolves to ≤ grade 1, then decrease by 1 dose level |
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Grade 4 rash or severe hypersensitivity |
Discontinue |
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Grade 3 or 4 constipation |
Initiate bowel regimen and hold until resolves to ≤ grade 2, then decrease by 1 dose level |
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Over sedation |
Consider short drug holiday or ↓ dose; may restart at the same or lower dose when recovered |
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Severe syncope/bradycardia |
Consider ↓ dose or discontinue |
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Other grade 3 toxicity |
Hold until resolves to ≤ grade 2 then decrease by 1 dose level |
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Other grade 4 toxicity |
Discontinue |
Hepatic Impairment
Not specifically studied in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment
Not specifically studied in patients with renal impairment. Monitor patients with severe renal impairment as metabolites are eliminated via urine. Some data suggested that no dose modification is needed in renal impairment (including patients on dialysis); however monitor closely as there have been reports of fatal hyperkalemia in renally impaired patients.
Dosage in the Elderly
For patients older than 75, the recommended starting dose is 100 mg/day. The frequency of serious adverse effects, such as atrial fibrillation, back pain and fall, including fatal reactions was higher in patients over 75 compared to younger patients.
Refer to thalidomide drug monograph(s) for additional details of adverse effects
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Very common (≥ 50%) |
Common (25-49%) |
Less common (10-24%) |
Uncommon (< 10%), but may be severe or life-threatening |
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Refer to thalidomide drug monograph(s) for additional details
- Use with caution when combined with other neurotoxins and sedatives given increased risk of neurotoxicity and sedation
- Use beta-blockers with caution given increased risk of bradycardia
- Use with caution and consider thromboembolism prophylaxis when used with hormonal therapy, contraceptives, erythropoietic agents and corticosteroids
Refer to thalidomide drug monograph(s) for additional details
Administration:
- Oral self-administration; taken on a specified schedule (usually once daily) preferably with a glass of water, with or without food at about the same time each day.
- Swallow capsules whole; they should not be broken, chewed, or opened.
- Thalidomide should be administered at bedtime to minimize adverse effects such as dizziness and somnolence.
- Avoid use of alcohol since this may potentiate sedation.
- Do not extensively handle the capsules. Females who may become or plan to become pregnant can handle thalidomide if they are using latex gloves.
- Remove capsule from the original packaging only at administration time. Do not put the capsule on the counter or dish/container before taking it; give the capsule directly from the packaging and place into the mouth.
- If a dose is missed, take it if it is within 12 hours from the missed dose, otherwise skip this and give the next dose as scheduled. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten one.
- Drug available by outpatient prescription in pharmacy registered with the RevAid® program. Please call 1-888-RevAid-1 or log onto www.RevAid.ca.
Contraindications:
- Patients with peripheral neuropathy, or with known hypersensitivity to thalidomide, lenalidomide, or pomalidomide.
- Women who are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding women.
- Patients unable to follow or comply with the required contraceptive measures (see below section regarding the RevAid® program)
Other Warnings/Precautions:
- Patients should be wearned of the risk of drowsiness, dizziness or orthostatic hypotension. Caution in patients using sedatives or alcohol.
- May increase viral load if used in patients with HIV.
- Use with caution and monitor closely in patients with previous viral infections such as HBV or HCV.
- Use with caution in patients with risk factors for VTE or ATE, or using thrombogenic agents. Oral contraceptives should be avoided due to the increased risk of VTE.
- Use with caution in combination with corticosteroids in myeloma due to the risk of thromboembolism - consider prophylactic anticoagulation.
- Use with caution in patients with risk factors for peripheral neuropathy, taking neurotoxic drugs, or taking drugs that may cause severe skin reactions.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
- Thalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women and in females of childbearing potential and in males who do not comply with the contraception conditions of the RevAid® program. Refer to the thalidomide drug monograph for details.
- Breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Treating physicians may decide to monitor more or less frequently for individual patients but should always consider recommendations from the product monograph.
Recommended Clinical Monitoring
- CBC; baseline and monthly
- Liver function tests; baseline and periodic, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disorder or with concurrent use of potentially hepatotoxic medications
- Neurological exams; baseline and periodic (ie: monthly for the first 3 months, and periodically thereafter); consider using electrophysiologic testing at baseline and every 6 months.
- RevAid requirements regarding pregnancy tests for women of childbearing potential
- EKG as clinically indicated
- Hepatitis serology; if hepatitis or reactivation suspected
- Clinical assessments of bleeding, rash, constipation, CNS effects (including neuropathy, seizures, somnolence), arterial and venous thromboembolism, syncope/bradycardia, infections, hepatitis; at each visit
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Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version
Suggested Clinical Monitoring
- HIV viral load (in HIV-seropositive patients); after the first and third months of treatment, and then every 3 months
- Renal function tests; Baseline and regular
- Seizures; as clinically indicated, especially in at risk patients
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Attal M, Harousseau J-L, Leyvraz S, et al. Maintenance therapy with thalidomide improves survival in patients with multiple myeloma. Blood. 2006; 108(10): 3289-94.
Barlogie B, Tricot G, Anaissie E, et al. Thalidomide and hematopoietic-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med 2006; 354(10): 1021-30.
Cavo, M., Zamagni, E., Cellini, C. et al. Deep-vein thrombosis in patients with multiple myeloma receiving first-line thalidomide-dexamethasone therapy. Blood 2002; 100: 2272-3.
Hulin C, Facon T, Rodon P, et al. Efficacy of melphalan and prednisone plus thalidomide in patients older than 75 years with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: IFM 01/01 Trial. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:3664-70.
Ludwig H, Hajek R, Tothova, E, et al. Thalidomide-dexamethasone compared with melphalan-prednisolone in elderly patients with multiple myeloma. Blood 2009; 113(15): 3435-42.
Osman K, Comenzo R, Rajkumar SV. Deep venous thrombosis and thalidomide therapy for multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med. 2001 Jun 21;344(25):1951-2.
Palumbo A, Bringhen S, Caravita T, et al. Oral melphalan and prednisone chemotherapy plus thalidomide compared with melphalan and prednisone alone in elderly patients with multiple myeloma: randomized controlled trial. Lancet. 2006;367(9513):825-31.
Rajkumar SV, Rosinol L, Hussein M, et al. Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of thalidomide plus dexamethasone compared with dexamethasone as initial therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26(13): 2171-7.
Rajkumar SV, Blood E, Vesole D, et al. Phase III clinical trial of thalidomide plus dexamethasone compared with dexamethasone alone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a clinical trial coordinated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. J Clin Oncol 2006; 24: 431-6.
Rajkumar SV, Gertz MA, Witzig TE. Life-threatening toxic epidermal necrolysis with thalidomide therapy for myeloma. N Engl J Med 2000 Sep 28; 343(13): 972-3.
Singhal S, Mehta J, Desikan R, et al. Antitumor activity of thalidomide in refractory multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med. 1999; 341(21): 1565-71.
Spencer A, Prince HM, Roberts AW, et al. Consolidation therapy With low-dose thalidomide and prednisolone prolongs the survival of multiple myeloma patients undergoing a single autologous stem-cell transplantation procedure. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:1788-1793.
Stewart AK, Chen CI, Howson-Jan K, et al. Results of a multicenter randomized phase II trial of thalidomide and prednisone maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplant. Clin Cancer Res. 2004;10(24):8170-6.
Thalidomide drug monograph, Cancer Care Ontario.
June 2019 Updated emetic risk category; added PEBC guideline link
Regimen Abstracts
A Regimen Abstract is an abbreviated version of a Regimen Monograph and contains only top level information on usage, dosing, schedule, cycle length and special notes (if available). It is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice, and all uses of the Regimen Abstract are subject to clinical judgment. Such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability, and Cancer Care Ontario disclaims all liability for the use of this information, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits that arise from such use.
Information in regimen abstracts is accurate to the extent of the ST-QBP regimen master listings, and has not undergone the full review process of a regimen monograph. Full regimen monographs will be published for each ST-QBP regimen as they are developed.
Regimen Monographs
Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.
The information set out in the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information (for health professionals) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects of a particular drug, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition. The information in the Formulary is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.
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