The use of PEG‐rHuMGDF in platelet apheresis

Abstract Platelet transfusions are increasingly being used to treat thrombocytopenic conditions ranging from aplastic anemia to that caused by cancer chemotherapy. Although historically whole‐blood transfusions were the primary source of platelets for transfusion, random donor platelet concentrates and single‐donor apheresis platelets are currently the only products used. The use of these products in the United States varies widely for different medical conditions; for example, surgical patients receive random donor platelet concentrates much more commonly than single‐donor apheresis products, while the opposite is true for hematology/oncology patients. The past decade has seen a great change in the type of platelet product prescribed. Whereas random donor platelet concentrates were mostly used in the past, over 60% of the platelets transfused are now obtained from donors by apheresis. A crucial variable in the ability to collect platelets by apheresis is the donor platelet count. With the recent availability of thrombopoietin, there has been considerable interest in using this hematopoietic growth factor to stimulate platelet production in donors. Preliminary studies with the administration to platelet donors of one of the thrombopoietic growth factors, PEG‐rHuMGDF, have demonstrated a marked increase in the apheresis yield and no side effects. The PEG‐rHuMGDF‐mobilized platelets were effective upon transfusion. Whether stimulation of platelet production in donors with thrombopoietic growth factors will become a widely accepted method will depend largely on the safety of this approach for the donor as well as on a number of lesser issues which concern the recipient and blood center.