Treatment of essential thrombocythemia with special emphasis on leukemogenic risk

Acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes are rare, but almost invariably fatal, evolutions of essential thrombocythemia (ET). Three major factors are associated with blastic transformation: cytogenetic abnormalities, myelofibrotic features, and the use of cytotoxic agents. Hematological malignancies have been reported in ET patients after treatment with alkylating agents, such as busulphan, as well as other cytoreductive drugs, such as hydroxyurea. Concerns about leukemogenicity have led some to suggest limiting the indications of these drugs to patients at higher risk of bleeding and thrombosis. Major risk factors for thrombosis are age above 60 years and a previous thrombotic event, whereas an increased bleeding tendency has been reported with platelet counts in excess of 1000-1500x10(9)/l. No myelosuppressive therapy is recommended for younger patients if they are asymptomatic or their platelet counts are below 1500x10(9)/l. The threshold of 1500x10(9)/l is controversial, however, and cytoreduction can be considered when platelets are above 1000x10(9)/l or in the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In the presence of thrombotic events or extreme thrombocytosis, young ET patients can be managed with cytoreductive agents theoretically devoid of leukemogenic risk, such as a-interferon or anagrelide. Nevertheless, the mutagenic risk of anagrelide has not been investigated in long-term follow-up studies, and the ultimate place of these 'new' drugs in the management of ET patients remains to be established in prospective and controlled clinical trials.