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Technology evaluation: thrombopoietin, Genentech/Pharmacia & Upjohn.
1Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Cooper Health System, UMDNJ School, 3 Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 08103, USA. goldberg-jack@cooperhealth.edu
Current Opinion in Molecular Therapeutics
|March 16, 2001
Summary
Recombinant thrombopoietin, a protein that stimulates platelet production, is being developed to treat chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. This therapy aims to prevent bleeding in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Thrombopoietin is a key protein factor for platelet production.
- Thrombocytopenia, a condition of low platelet count, can cause severe bleeding.
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are at high risk for thrombocytopenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a recombinant protein technology for treating thrombocytopenia.
- To evaluate the efficacy of thrombopoietin in preventing bleeding in chemotherapy patients.
Main Methods:
- Cloning the gene encoding thrombopoietin.
- Developing recombinant protein technology.
- Conducting phase II/III clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Recombinant thrombopoietin technology entered phase II/III clinical trials in 1998.
- Clinical trials were ongoing as of February 2000.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant thrombopoietin shows potential for treating thrombocytopenia in cancer patients.
- Further clinical evaluation is necessary to confirm efficacy and safety.