Overview of Thrombopoietic Agents in the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia

Pharmaceutical advances in the field of hematology have led to promising new options for the management of thrombocytopenia. This overview provides both a brief review of historical management of thrombocytopenia and a more detailed look at the novel thrombopoietic agents currently being investigated for their utility in treating thrombocytopenia. Specific agents that enhance thrombopoiesis will alter the overall approach to immune thrombocytopenia purpura. Development of these agents might also improve the management of diseases such as cancer and hepatitis C, whose current regimens are limited by the occurrence of thrombocytopenia.