OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and toxicity of 
temozolomide given alone or in combination with thalidomide, an 
anti-angiogenetic drug, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme 
(GBM).
PATIENTS AND METHODS: 46 patients with histologically proven GBM were eligible 
for inclusion. Twenty-three patients (15 males and 8 females) received 
temozolomide on a conventional schedule; 23 patients (12 males and 11 females) 
received temozolomide on the same schedule and thalidomide was dose-adjusted in 
each individual patient based on their tolerance.
RESULTS: The median survival time was 12 months for temozolomide and 13 months 
for temozolomide + thalidomide.
CONCLUSION: The administration of temozolomide in association with thalidomide 
after radiotherapy (RT) does not offer an advantage over temozolomide alone in 
adults with newly diagnosed GBM. The two therapeutic strategies produce similar 
results for survival, but the latter regimen shows a moderate increase in 
toxicity.