thalidomide + melphalan + prednisolone

**thalidomide + melphalan + prednisolone** (often abbreviated MPT) is a three-drug oral chemotherapy regimen primarily used as first-line treatment for **multiple myeloma** in patients who are not candidates for high-dose therapy or stem cell transplantation. - **Mechanisms of action:** - **Thalidomide**: acts as an immunomodulatory agent with anti-angiogenic and antineoplastic activities, modulating the immune microenvironment and directly inducing apoptosis in myeloma cells. - **Melphalan**: an alkylating agent that cross-links DNA, resulting in cytotoxicity and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. - **Prednisolone**: a corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation and induces apoptosis in certain lymphoid malignancies. Clinical trials show the MPT regimen improves overall survival and progression-free survival compared to melphalan-prednisolone alone in elderly, transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma patients, with typical adverse effects including myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy (from thalidomide), and risk of thrombosis. Prophylactic anticoagulation is often recommended. MPT has also shown activity in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma settings.

Other names

melphalan prednisolone thalidomideMPT