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Anagrelide in Essential Thrombocythemia (ET): Results from 150 patients over 25 years by the “Ph1‐negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Latium Group”
Author(s) -
Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella,
Baldacci Ermina,
Latagliata Roberto,
Breccia Massimo,
Paoloni Francesca,
Di Veroli Ambra,
Cedrone Michele,
Anaclerico Barbara,
Villivà Nicoletta,
Porrini Raffaele,
Montefusco Enrico,
Andriani Alessandro,
Montanaro Marco,
Scaramucci Laura,
Spadea Antonio,
Rago Angela,
Cimino Giuseppe,
Spirito Francesca,
Santoro Cristina
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/ejh.13454
Subject(s) - anagrelide , medicine , essential thrombocythemia , myelofibrosis , pediatrics , surgery , polycythemia vera , bone marrow
Background and aims Anagrelide is a drug effective in reducing platelet counts in essential thrombocythemia (ET) and Ph1‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real‐life use of anagrelide in patients with ET followed over 25 years at the Haematological Institutes belonging to “Ph1‐negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Latium Group.” Patients and methods Eligibility criteria were diagnosis of ET and treatment with anagrelide. Data were collected through an ad hoc case report form. Results One hundred and fifty patients received anagrelide for a median time of 7.4 years (0.1‐23.2). Anagrelide was administered as first‐line therapy in 34.7% of patients, as second‐line in 52% and as third‐line in 13.3%: 85.4% responded to therapy. Sixty‐eight/136 evaluable patients reported side effects: palpitations, peripheral vasodilation, anaemia, diarrhoea and gastric distress. Fourteen thrombotic (arterial 10, venous 4) and 51 bleeding events (minor 48, major 3) occurred. Sixteen/150 (10.6%) patients developed secondary myelofibrosis and 3/150 (2%) an acute myeloid leukaemia. Conclusions In our experience, anagrelide is an effective drug in reducing platelet levels in a high percentage of patients with ET. It is especially addressed to younger people. A careful assessment of the thrombotic risk and monitoring of cardiac function, at diagnosis and during follow‐up, is mandatory.