New therapies for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
OBJECTIVE
The treatment landscape of immune thrombocytopenic purpura has the potential for dramatic change in the near future as promising new agents and adaptations of older therapies enter clinical study. An update on the status of current research in immune thrombocytopenic purpura and a preview of agents in development are provided here.


RESULTS
The recent literature shows a multitude of strategies employed in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. These therapies under active investigation include the use of the B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody rituximab, higher doses of dexamethasone and anti-D immunoglobulin, and thrombopoiesis-stimulating agents that are in early clinical development.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical investigation of novel therapies in immune thrombocytopenic purpura is undergoing a revolution that has the potential to change the standard of care. While older therapies are experiencing a rebirth by being given a new spin, newer agents such as thrombopoietins are showing significant promise.
Andemariam
Biree
B
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA.
Bussel
James
J
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069283:Rituximab; D034061:Thrombopoiesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D013926:Thrombopoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D018029:Rho(D) Immune Globulin; D000069283:Rituximab; D003907:Dexamethasone; D013926:Thrombopoietin