Coagulation disorders in cancer

Cancer and its treatment launch many attacks on megakaryocyte and platelet production. This article focuses on the hematopoietic cytokines that affect this process. Frier to the cloning of thrombopoietin, at least two of these cytokines, IL-11 and PIXY 321, displayed promising clinical effects. To determine how these agents will compare to the physiologic regulator of platelet production will require carefully controlled clinical trials. The next few years most certainly will see the resolution of many of the complications of thrombocytopenia.