Anagrelide does not exert a myelodysplastic effect on megakaryopoiesis: a comparative immunohistochemical and morphometric study with hydroxyurea.
A comparative immunohistochemical and morphometric study was performed on megakaryocytes in 20 patients presenting with initial-early stage chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis and accompanying thrombocythemia to elucidate histological features developing after hydroxyurea (HU) versus anagrelide (ANA) therapy. Representative pre-and posttreatment bone marrow biopsies were involved including the monoclonal antibody CD61 for the identification of precursor and mature stages of megakaryopoiesis. An elaborate morphometric evaluation was in keeping with a left-shifting showing a more frequent occurrence of promegakaryoblasts and microforms in both therapy groups. However, contrasting ANA, HU generated defects of differentiation consistent with significant dysplastic changes. In conclusion, concern about a possible leukemogenic capacity following long-term HU therapy is supported by our findings.
Thiele
J
J
Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Germany. j.thiele@uni-koeln.de
Kvasnicka
H M
HM
Ollig
S
S
Schmitt-Gräff
A
A
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008533:Megakaryocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D034061:Thrombopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; C021139:anagrelide; D006918:Hydroxyurea