New data from two long-term studies ( RAISE: 197 patients and EXTEND: 144 patients ) have shown that patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP ), treated with Eltrombopag ( Revolade ), experienced significant elevations in platelet counts, as well as a reduction in bleeding and bruising, compared with placebo. In addition, patients experienced a statistically significant improvement in QoL ( Quality of Life ).
QoL assessments measured patients’ vitality, fatigue, their ability to participate in normal day-to-day physical and social activities, as well as concerns related to bleeding and bruising.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is characterised by a low platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding. Patients with ITP frequently suffer from bruises, nosebleeds, or bleeding that is difficult to stop. Bleeding in the brain or gastrointestinal tract is less frequent, but can be life-threatening. Fear of bleeding can limit a patient’s everyday activities and impact their QoL.

In previous studies, the most common side-effects reported with Eltrombopag use were nausea and diarrhoea. All other reported adverse events were similar between Eltrombopag and placebo.

Thrombopoietin ( TPO ) is the body’s platelet growth factor, a specific type of blood cell that stimulates the bone marrow to make platelets. Eltrombopag helps to increase platelet levels by binding to the TPO receptor on cells in the bone marrow.

Eltrombopag is currently being studied in other areas where thrombocytopenia can interfere with treatments ( e.g. hepatitis C, chronic liver disease and cancer ).

Source: 14th Congress of European Hematology Meeting, 2009

XagenaMedicine2009


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