Combining ATRA and Eltrombopag for treating resistant ITP

The Combination of ATRA and Eltrombopag as the Treatment Strategy for Glucocorticoid-Resistant/Relapsed ITP Based on the Stratification of the New Biomarker MSC-C5b-9: A Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter Clinical Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Peking University People's Hospital · NCT05438875

This study is testing whether combining two medications, ATRA and eltrombopag, can help people with hard-to-treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have better platelet counts and fewer bleeding issues compared to using eltrombopag alone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeking University People's Hospital Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Beijing, Beijing and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05438875 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of combining all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) with eltrombopag compared to eltrombopag alone in patients with steroid-resistant or relapsed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Patients will be tested for MSC-C5b-9 markers and divided into two groups based on their results, followed by randomization into treatment groups. The study will assess platelet counts, bleeding symptoms, and adverse events before and after treatment to determine the effectiveness of the combination therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years with isolated thrombocytopenia and a history of ineffective or relapsed ITP after prior therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary ITP or those with severe underlying health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new effective option for patients with steroid-resistant or relapsed ITP.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar combination therapies, but this specific approach is novel in the context of MSC-C5b-9 markers.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1. Isolated thrombocytopenia (platelet count \<30 × 109/L); 2. age \> 18 years; 3. normal white blood cells and red blood cells on bone marrow examination; 4. increased number of megakaryocytes (bone marrow examination was performed in all patients except for myelofibrosis or other conditions that can cause thrombocytopenia disease); 5. the spleen was normal in size; 6. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status score (ECOG score) ≤ 2; 7. ineffective or relapsed after at least 1 course of full-dose full-course hormone therapy; 8. Failure of prior ITP therapy (eg, hormones, splenectomy, and cyclosporine) and at least 4 weeks from enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1. Secondary ITP such as drug-related thrombocytopenia; 2. thrombocytopenia due to viral infection (HIV, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus); 3. severe cardiac, renal, hepatic, or respiratory insufficiency; 4. severe immunodeficiency; 5. pregnancy or lactation; 6. myelodysplasia or Myelofibrosis; 7. history of malignancy; 8. ongoing immunosuppressive therapy for other diseases; 9. patients previously treated with eltrombopag were excluded from this study.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing and 4 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, IdiopathicResistant/recurrent ITPMSC-C5b-9 markerall-trans retinoic acidEltrombopagprospective clinical study
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.