Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rh-TPO) for the prevention of severe thrombocytopenia induced by high-dose cytarabine: a prospective, randomized, self-controlled study

The aim of this randomized phase II study was to investigate the optimal timing of the administration of thrombopoietin to prevent cytarabine-induced thrombocytopenia. Fifty-two patients who were scheduled for high-dose cytarabine treatment were randomly assigned to receive either the standard prophylactic mode (starting thrombopoietin, 15,000 units/day on days 2-11) or the pre-chemo mode (starting thrombopoietin, 15,000 units/day on days -4, -2, and 2-9) during the first cycle of chemotherapy with a switch to the other mode in the second cycle. The thrombocytopenia rate in the standard mode and the pre-chemo mode were PLT < 50 × 109/L, 67.3% versus 46.2% (p = .001); and PLT < 25 × 109/L, 48.1% versus 26.9% (p = .001). The platelet transfusion rate was reduced in pre-chemo mode, with 7 patients requiring 10 units of platelets, whereas 13 patients required 24 units in standard mode (p = .038). Grade III/IV thrombopoietin-related toxicity was not observed. The prophylactic use of thrombopoietin was effective and safe. Trial registration: ChiCTR-OPB-15007591.