Thalidomide produces benefits in some patients with tumours

The drug thalidomide, which led to severe birth defects in the 1950s when it was used during pregnancy to prevent morning sickness, has been shown to produce benefits in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and to prevent the progression of some forms of myeloma, according to two separate studies.

Despite its reputation, the drug is gaining favour in the treatment of a variety of cancers and infectious diseases. In one study, Dr Azra Raza, from Rush-Presbyterian-St …