Combination Bisphosphonate and Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy With Pamidronate and Thalidomide

Recently, laboratory research found that thalidomide can inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that are necessary for the growth and spread of cancer. In order to grow and increase in size, tumors require new blood vessels to supply them with the necessary blood to grow. If we can prevent these new blood vessels feeding the tumor from being formed by using thalidomide we might slow or stop the growth of the tumor. This concept is called "anti-angiogenesis". It is hoped that thalidomide will slow or stop the growth myeloma. However, it cannot be guaranteed that you will benefit if you take part in this study. The treatment you receive may even be harmful.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients must have a diagnosis of Multiple myeloma with poor hematopoietic reserve (platelet count <100,000 OR inability to collect adequate PBSC to support autologous transplant (4X106 CD34+cells/kg OR WBC <2,000)
• Patients must not be eligible for UARK 98-035
• Patients must be at least 6 weeks beyond previous chemotherapy
• All patients must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and must sign a written informed consent in accordance with UAMS Human Research Advisory Committee and federal guidelines

Exclusion criteria

• Prior bisphosphonate therapy within 30 days prior to study entry
• Serum creatinine > 5 mg/dl, ascites, or serum direct bilirubin > 2.5 mg/dl
• Prior plicamycin or calcitonin within 2 weeks of study entry
• Severe cardiac disease, unstable thyroid disease, or epilepsy