Question:medium

Which of the following is given to treat thrombocytopenia secondary to anti-cancer therapy and is known to stimulate progenitor megakaryocytes?

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Recombinant IL-11 that boosts megakaryocyte progenitors and platelet output.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Filgrastim
  • Oprelvekin
  • Erythropoietin
  • Anagrelide
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: We need a growth factor that drives the megakaryocyte line to lift platelets after cancer chemotherapy.

Step 2: That role belongs to oprelvekin, which is interleukin-11 made by recombinant technology. It expands megakaryocyte progenitors and pushes their maturation, so the marrow churns out more platelets. Its licensed indication is chemotherapy-associated thrombocytopenia.

Step 3: The distractors each act on a different lineage or in the wrong direction. Filgrastim (G-CSF) targets neutrophils, erythropoietin targets red cells, and anagrelide is given to bring a high platelet count down in thrombocythemia. None of them raises platelets via megakaryocyte progenitor stimulation.

Step 4: The answer is therefore oprelvekin.
\[\boxed{\text{Oprelvekin}}\]
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