The use of thalidomide in androgen-independent prostate cancer

More than 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during the year 2006. Approximately 20% to 30% of these cases may develop advanced disease, for which there currently is no cure. Although therapy for this disease has improved significantly over the past few years, with docetaxel treatment showing improved survival times in metastatic disease, there remains the need for improved treatment options. Dr. Folkman put forth the idea of angiogenesis in 1971, and, since that time, researchers have been trying to determine the best possible way to inhibit blood vessel formation. This review summarizes the use of thalidomide in androgen-independent prostate cancer and the results of trials conducted at the National Cancer Institute.