title: Early Australian clinical studies with pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor.
abstract: Pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor (PEG-rHuMGDF, an Mpl ligand) is a truncated form of native thrombopoietin currently undergoing clinical development. A series of studies in Australia have examined the safety and biological activities of PEG-rHuMGDF. Administration of PEG-rHuMGDF causes a dose-dependent increase in platelet count but has no effect on white cell count or hematocrit. These platelets are morphologically and functionally normal. When administered following moderately myelosuppressive chemotherapy, PEG-rHuMGDF significantly enhances platelet recovery, although scheduling in relation to chemotherapy may be important in optimizing the full effects. PEG-rHuMGDF mobilizes progenitor cells of multiple hematopoietic lineages, and alters the kinetics of peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization after chemotherapy and filgrastim. PEG-rHuMGDF is well tolerated and does not cause toxicity similar to that observed with other thrombopoietic cytokines. Numerous studies are underway to help determine the precise role of PEG-rHuMGDF in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Development of Cancer Therapeutics, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Basser
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D017321:Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D013926:Thrombopoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C103117:polyethylene glycol-recombinant human megakaryocyte growth and development factor; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D013926:Thrombopoietin