Recombinant human interleukin-11 for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia of acute leukemia: a multi-center study

Abstract

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) in treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia of acute leukemia. Methods Acute leukemia patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia [Platelets (Plt) < 50×109/L] in 6 centers nationwide from February 2016 to July 2016 were treated with rhIL-11 (2 mg/time, twice per day) by subcutaneous injection. Treatment lasted 7 days or at least until Plt≥ 50×109/L. The Plt recovery was observed during treatment. Results A total of 112 patients were enrolled, and 2 patients decided to drop out of study. The efficacy population consisted of 110 patients, and the total response rate reached 74.5% (82/110). The average variation of Plt during treatment was (70±54)×109/L, and recovery average time of Plt for the patients with favorable efficacy was (8.7±3.0) days. In treatment with severe thrombocytopenia, rhIL-11 alone could shorten the recovery time compared with rhIL-11 combined with Plt transfusion [(8.0±2.6) d vs. (9.6±3.5) d, t=2.17, P=0.03]. Conclusion rhIL-11 twice a day of subcutaneous injection can effectively promote Plt recovery and reduce Plt transfusion with less adverse reactions, which is worthy of further application. Key words: Leukemia, acute; Thrombocytopenia; Interleukin-11