Dr. Maciejewski on Impact of Eltrombopag on Expansion of Clones in Refractory Aplastic Anemia

Jaroslaw P. Maciejewski, MD, PhD, chair, Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic, discusses the impact of eltrombopag on an expansion of clones with somatic mutations in patients with refractory aplastic anemia.

In a recent study, researchers examined if the use of eltrombopag had an impact on evolution and clonal expansion in select patients with aplastic anemia. This is based off of prior evidence that suggests that eltrombopag has potential to expand mutant clones and increase the rate of disease progression to myelodysplastic syndromes.

Three out of 13 patients revealed the presence of sole clonal mutational events that expanded. During the course of observation, 2 more patients were reported to have had a clonal expansion. In conclusion, cautioned use of eltrombopag may be warranted, Maciejewski adds. Clearer findings can be presented after long-term, retrospective studies.