Efficacy and safety of thalidomide for oncology-related uses approved in Brazil: An overview of systematic reviews.

This article provides an overview of systematic reviews assessing the efficacy and safety of thalidomide for oncology-related indications approved in Brazil, focusing primarily on multiple myeloma (MM). The evidence supports thalidomide’s efficacy in improving overall survival and progression-free survival in MM patients, especially when used in combination regimens, although these combinations also increase the risk of adverse events such as peripheral neuropathy, thromboembolism, hematological toxicity, infections, and gastrointestinal effects. No eligible systematic reviews were found for thalidomide’s use in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), despite some primary studies indicating potential benefits in refractory cases. Most included reviews were rated as having critically low methodological quality, highlighting the need for higher-quality research. The article emphasizes the importance of dose management, monitoring for adverse events, and strict control measures to prevent teratogenic risks associated with thalidomide use.