Thalidomide and thrombosis in patients with multiple myeloma

Thalidomide has recently been employed as a single agent and in combination chemotherapy for experimental treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and as a first line treatment. A new complication has emerged: a t halidomide-induced hypercoagulable state. We report on 5 patients who devel oped deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs while on thalidomide and chemo therapy. The biological mechanism underlying this complication is unknown a nd appears to be worsened by the association with dexamethasone and/or chem otherapy.