Four studies related to treatment and survival results for individuals with varying forms of thrombocytopenia were presented during the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco, CA.
The studies focused on the new combination therapy for previously incurable idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a low-dose platelet transfusion strategy for patients suffering from hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia, and a new therapeutic platelet transfusion medical approach after chemotherapy & autologous stem cell transplantation.
From News-Medical.Net:
The studies featured in the press conference will report on a new combination therapy for previously untreated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an investigational oral treatment for chronic ITP, a low-dose platelet transfusion strategy for patients with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia, and a new therapeutic platelet transfusion approach following high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation.
“We have some very exciting data on novel therapeutic approaches to minimize bleeding episodes in patients with platelet disorders,” said press conference moderator Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, 2008 President of the American Society of Hematology and Helen M. Ranney Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. “The results of these studies will likely transform the way hematologists treat and manage these conditions, ultimately resulting in improvements in overall patient outcomes such as reducing bruising and unnecessary bleeding that can result if left untreated.”
It was found that during the study that the combination of rituximab (an immunotherapy drug) with dexamethasone (a steroid) is very effective in treating idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
It was remarked by press conference moderator Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, 2008 President of the American Society of Hematology and Helen M. Ranney Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine that the four studies came as a new paradigm to reduce bleeding episodes in patients fighting against platelet disorders.
The studies are considered to transform the treatment methodologies of worldwide hematologists to bring significant improvements in overall patient outcomes.
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