Romiplostim for management of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia Journal Article


Authors: Parameswaran, R.; Lunning, M.; Mantha, S.; Devlin, S.; Hamilton, A.; Schwartz, G.; Soff, G.
Article Title: Romiplostim for management of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia
Abstract: Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) can cause delay or reduction in subsequent courses of chemotherapy. Here, we report on a series of 20 patients who had protracted CIT and were treated with romiplostim, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective review of the use of romiplostim for dose-limiting CIT at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 2010-2012. Romiplostim was initiated at 1-2 mcg/kg weekly, with dose escalation by 1 mcg/kg per week until recovery of platelets (≥100×109/L). If patients resumed chemotherapy, weekly romiplostim was continued. Results: Romiplostim improved platelet counts in all 20 patients. In 19 of 20 patients, platelet counts of ≥100×109/L were achieved. The mean dose of romiplostim to achieve adequate platelet recovery was 2.9 mcg/kg (range 1.0-5.1). Sixteen patients achieved platelet recovery by 2 weeks. Fifteen patients resumed cytotoxic chemotherapy with continued romiplostim support and 14 tolerated at least two subsequent cycles of chemotherapy, on schedule, without recurrence of dose-limiting CIT. Sepsis prevented continued chemotherapy in one patient. No resistance to romiplostim was observed. Three deep vein thromboses (DVT) were observed; one of which was a recurrent DVT in a patient who had previously experienced a DVT and was off anticoagulation. Three DVTs within 20 patients is within the anticipated thrombosis rates of patients with active cancer on chemotherapy. Conclusion: Romiplostim resulted in improvement in platelet counts, allowing resumption of chemotherapy without recurrence of dose-limiting CIT. No treatment-related toxicity was observed, but this would need to be confirmed in a larger, prospective trial. Our series differs from prior studies in that we selected only those patients who had already demonstrated persistent thrombocytopenia, and we continued weekly romiplostim during chemotherapy. Romiplostim may be a safe and effective treatment for CIT. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.
Keywords: adult; cancer chemotherapy; clinical article; aged; cisplatin; fluorouracil; drug dose reduction; drug safety; capecitabine; gemcitabine; cancer patient; pancreas cancer; chemotherapy; carboplatin; etoposide; thrombocytopenia; anticoagulant therapy; deep vein thrombosis; retrospective study; irinotecan; drug dose escalation; folinic acid; drug response; thrombocyte count; recurrent disease; bile duct carcinoma; romiplostim; drug dose titration; oxaliplatin; floxuridine; convalescence; drug induced disease; enoxaparin; human; male; female; priority journal; article; chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia
Journal Title: Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume: 22
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0941-4355
Publisher: Springer Verlag  
Date Published: 2014-05-01
Start Page: 1217
End Page: 1222
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-013-2074-2
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 24414994
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 1 May 2014 -- CODEN: SCCAE -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Gary Schwartz
    385 Schwartz
  2. Matthew Alexander Lunning
    31 Lunning
  3. Gerald A Soff
    93 Soff
  4. Sean McCarthy Devlin
    601 Devlin
  5. Simon H Mantha
    67 Mantha