To study the efficacy of romiplostim in chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in head and neck cancer patients

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Objectives Scheduled delivery of adequate dose of chemotherapy is important to replicate the results expected from original trials. In head and neck malignancies, undue delay of chemotherapy is likely to be associated with poor control or progression. Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is one of the reasons to delay chemotherapy. Thrombopoietin agonists (TPO-A) have been found to increase platelet counts by increasing production and mobilization of platelets. Romiplostim is a TPO agonist, studied widely and found to have good impact on prevention and treatment of CIT. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use and effect of romiplostim in CIT in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients. Material and Methods It is a retrospective study regarding practices of romiplostim use in controlling CIT, among patients of locally advanced head and neck carcinoma undergoing induction chemotherapy at a tertiary care cancer center. Data regarding delays in chemotherapy, response assessment, and modification of chemotherapy doses were also noted. Results Out of a total of 110 patients of head and neck malignancy enrolled during the study period, 18 patients received romiplostim support at least once in chemotherapy cycles and were analyzed. All patients were locally advanced and planned for induction chemotherapy. Median platelet counts before starting romiplostim was 76,000 per cumm. A median delay of ten days was noted among these cases where romiplostim was introduced after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Patient receiving romiplostim after the second cycle (n = 6) showed a median delay of 11.5 days (6–18 days) in the initiation of subsequent chemotherapy. None of them was shifted out of chemotherapy plan due to low platelet count. No dose reduction was noted in any of the cases. Conclusion This study provides a good insight about feasibility of using romiplostim in this subset of patients without delay, dose reduction, or discontinuation of chemotherapy.