[Thalidomide: new perspectives for its use as antiinflammatory, immunossupressive and antiangiogenic drug].

The new uses of thalidomide are reviewed. It has recently been used as antinflammatory, immunosuppressive, antiangiogenic, and antiviral agent. Although its mechanism of action is not yet understood, the advantage of its use in several diseases, such as erythema nodosum leprosum, multiple myeloma, and graft-versus-host-disease is evident. Owing to its teratogenic properties, the use of thalidomide must be very well controlled. However, thalidomide has become a very important alternative, with new applications being studied.