Combination Bisphosphonate and Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy With Pamidronate and Thalidomide
Combination Bisphosphonate and Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy With Pamidronate and Thalidomide
The purpose of this research is to study how helpful the combination of thalidomide and
 Pamidronate is in controlling multiple myeloma and to study any side effects that may be
 experienced.
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