Open AccessEarly australian clinical studies with pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor
Author(s) -
Basser Russell L.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.159
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1549-4918
pISSN - 1066-5099
DOI - 10.1002/stem.5530160725
Subject(s) - megakaryocyte , thrombopoietin , biology , progenitor cell , platelet , haematopoiesis , filgrastim , immunology , pharmacology , cancer research , chemotherapy , granulocyte colony stimulating factor , stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
Pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG‐rHuMGDF, an Mpl ligand) is a truncated form of native thrombopoietin currently undergoing clinical development. A series of studies in Australia have examined the safety and biological activities of PEG‐rHuMGDF. Administration of PEG‐rHuMGDF causes a dose‐dependent increase in platelet count but has no effect on white cell count or hematocrit. These platelets are morphologically and functionally normal. When administered following moderately myelosuppressive chemotherapy, PEG‐rHuMGDF significantly enhances platelet recovery, although scheduling in relation to chemotherapy may be important in optimizing the full effects. PEG‐rHuMGDF mobilizes progenitor cells of multiple hematopoietic lineages, and alters the kinetics of peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization after chemotherapy and filgrastim. PEG‐rHuMGDF is well tolerated and does not cause toxicity similar to that observed with other thrombopoietic cytokines. Numerous studies are underway to help determine the precise role of PEG‐rHuMGDF in clinical practice.