Recombinant human thrombopoietin attenuates carboplatin-induced severe thrombocytopenia and the need for platelet transfusions in patients with gynecologic cancer.

BACKGROUND

Thrombocytopenia is a significant problem in the treatment of cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical safety of therapy with recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) and its ability to ameliorate chemotherapy-induced severe thrombocytopenia.

DESIGN

Phase I/II clinical cohort study.

SETTING

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

PATIENTS

29 patients with gynecologic cancer.

INTERVENTION

Recombinant human thrombopoietin was given before chemotherapy and after a second cycle of carboplatin therapy.

MEASUREMENTS

Peripheral blood counts and platelet transfusions.

RESULTS

Administration of rhTPO after chemotherapy significantly reduced the degree and duration of thrombocytopenia and enhanced platelet recovery. In patients who received the optimal biological dose of rhTPO (1.2 microg/kg of body weight) in cycle 2 (carboplatin plus rhTPO), the mean platelet count nadir was higher (44x10(9) cells/L and 20x10(9) cells/L; P = 0.002) and the duration of thrombocytopenia was shorter (days with a platelet count <20x10(9) cells/L, 1 and 4 [P = 0.002]; days with a platelet count <50x10(9) cells/L, 4 and 7 [P = 0.006]) than in cycle 1 (carboplatin only). The need for platelet transfusion in this group was reduced from 75% of patients in cycle 1 to 25% of patients in cycle 2 (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy with rhTPO seems to be safe and may attenuate chemotherapy-induced severe thrombocytopenia and reduce the need for platelet transfusions.