thalidomide + cyclophosphamide + dexamethasone + prednisone

The combination of thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone, and prednisone is a multi-agent chemotherapy and immunomodulatory regimen used for the treatment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). This specific protocol, evaluated by the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital in China, involves an induction phase with thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (TCD), followed by a maintenance phase using thalidomide and prednisone. Thalidomide acts as an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD) by binding to the cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, leading to the degradation of specific transcription factors and exerting anti-angiogenic effects. Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that forms DNA cross-links, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis and cell division. Dexamethasone and prednisone are glucocorticoids that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor, inducing apoptosis in malignant lymphoid cells and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. This oral regimen is particularly evaluated for newly diagnosed WM patients.

Other names

Thal-Cy-DexTCD induction and TP maintenance