Oprelvekin is a
synthetic form of interleukin-11, a substance that stimulates
the production of platelets in bone marrow. Prostate
cancer chemotherapy can affect bone marrow where platelets
are produced. Platelets are the cells responsible for
blood clotting, so in their absence, patients may bleed
excessively and bruise easily in addition to running
the risk of internal bleeding. By stimulating the production
of platelets during chemotherapy treatment, oprelvekin
allows prostate cancer patients to receive treatment
without the need for round-the-clock, in-patient monitoring
or transfusions.
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