TY - JOUR T1 - Thalidomide reduces serum VEGF levels and improves peripheral neuropathy in POEMS syndrome JF - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry JO - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry SP - 1255 LP - 1257 DO - 10.1136/jnnp.2008.150177 VL - 79 IS - 11 AU - S Kuwabara AU - S Misawa AU - K Kanai AU - S Sawai AU - T Hattori AU - M Nishimura AU - C Nakaseko Y1 - 2008/11/01 UR - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/79/11/1255.abstract N2 - Background: Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multi-system disorder associated with plasma-cell dyscrasia. Several case series and reports have suggested that high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation is efficacious treatment, but this transplantation is not indicated for elderly patients and patients with renal failure.Objective: To investigate the effects of thalidomide treatment for POEMS syndrome.Methods: Nine patients, who were not indicated for high-dose chemotherapy, were treated with thalidomide. Neurological disability scores, nerve conduction studies and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were prospectively examined. VEGF levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: During follow-up periods of 8–23 months (mean, 15 months), all patients showed substantial clinical improvement (n = 6) or stabilisation of symptoms (n = 3). Serum VEGF levels decreased in all patients and were normalised in five patients. Nerve conduction velocities in the median nerve increased in seven patients. There were no serious adverse effects, including thalidomide neuropathy.Conclusion: Thalidomide treatment should be further studied as a treatment for POEMS syndrome, particularly for patients who are not indicated for transplantation therapy. ER -