Combination of arsenic trioxide and thalidomide therapy in myelodysplastic syndromes

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effects and side-effects of combination of arsenic trioxide with thalidomide regimen for the treatment of myelodysp1astic syndromes(MDS).Method:A total of 42 patients with MDS were enrolled.Twenty patients were treated with arsenic trioxide combined with thalidomide,and the other 22 patients only received supportive care.Result:The total response rate was 75% in the treated group,but 40.91% in the control group.Significant differences were found between the two groups(P0.05).No severe side-effects were observed.Conclusion:Combination of arsenic trioxide with thalidomide regimen may be a choice for patients with MDS.The regimen is well tolerated.