Eltrombopag for the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia in Patients 1-18 Years of Age Undergoing Intensive Chemotherapy for Malignant Solid Tumors
This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of eltrombopag for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for malignant solid tumors. Patients undergoing treatment for solid malignant tumors receive aggressive chemotherapy. One of the side effects of chemotherapy is a drop in blood counts as the chemotherapy weakens the soft tissue inside bones that makes blood cells. When counts are low, the patient may need blood products such as platelets for decreased platelets (also known as thrombocytopenia). Low platelet count can lead to spontaneous bleeding. Currently platelet transfusion is the only way to support thrombocytopenia and protect the patient from bleeding complications. Eltrombopag, is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for treatment of non-chemotherapy related disorders of low platelets like chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist which causes more platelets to be made in the bone marrow. This may help increase platelet counts to continue chemotherapy cycles without delay and reduce the number of blood transfusions required.