The role of splenic irradiation in treating HIV-associated immune thrombocytopenia.
Publication/Presentation Date
9-1-1999
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate our experience in treating patients with HIV-associated thrombocytopenia using splenic irradiation.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: From 1993 to 1998, 10 patients with HIV-related immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) were treated in our department with low-dose splenic irradiation. All patients had either failed more conventional treatment modalities or possessed some contraindication to them.
RESULTS: Nine of 10 patients had at least a small, transient rise in their platelet counts, but only two received a substantial therapeutic benefit. Of these two, one died shortly after completing his course of radiation therapy while the other maintained near normal platelet counts up to approximately 3(1/2) years following treatment. There were no treatment-related morbidities and one patient was treated twice.
CONCLUSION: While most patients with HIV-associated ITP may initially respond favorably to splenic irradiation with small rises in platelet count, few responses are likely to be sustained or provide clinically significant outcomes. Our results support those previously reported by others treating this same condition. What remains to be investigated is whether there are any prognostic indicators to help identify those patients most likely to respond to this treatment, thus enabling us to reserve splenic irradiation for those who might derive a substantial benefit from it.
Volume
45
Issue
2
First Page
457
Last Page
460
ISSN
0360-3016
Published In/Presented At
Blauth, J., Fisher, S., Henry, D., & Nichini, F. (1999). The role of splenic irradiation in treating HIV-associated immune thrombocytopenia. International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics, 45(2), 457–460. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0360-3016(99)00181-9
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Oncology
PubMedID
10487571
Department(s)
Department of Radiation Oncology
Document Type
Article