Eltrombopag is effective in patients with relapse/refractory aplastic anemia—report from a single center in China

Eltrombopag has shown a promising effect on patients with refractory/relapsed aplastic anemia (AA). However, data in Asian patients are limited due to the short launching time. Data from relapsed/refractory AA patients treated with eltrombopag in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2017 to May 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Totally 41 patients including 37 non-severe AA and 4 severe AA were analyzed with a median age of 47 (13~81) years old. The dosage of eltrombopag varies from 25 mg every other day (qod) to 100 mg every day (qd) (median 75 mg qd) with the duration of 13 (3~23) months. The overall response rates were 51.2%, 58.5%, and 55.2% at 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. Seventy-five percent of patients achieved the best response below the dosage of 75 mg qd at 3 (1-6) months. Two patients stopped eltrombopag after achieving complete remission and remained stable. Two patients relapsed and evolved to myelodysplastic syndrome. Adverse events included gastrointestinal discomfort, hepatic toxicity, and skin reactions, which were mild and controllable. Eltrombopag is effective for Chinese relapsed/refractory AA patients with a relatively lower dose and acceptable side effects.