Advances in Haematological Pharmacotherapy in 21st Century

Abstract

Last quarter of twentieth century and the first 10 years of 21st century has seen phenomenal development in haematological pharmacotherapy. Tailor made chemotherapeutic agents, vast array of monoclonal antibodies, epigenetic modifiers, growth factors for red cells white cells and platelets, peptidomimetics as growth factors, newer thrombin inhibitors, safer plasma derived protein molecules, recombinant molecules, newer immunomodulators, enzyme replacement therapy and above all a plethora of targetted molecules targeting innumerable pathways involved in cell division, growth, proliferation and apoptosis has given immense number of clinically usable molecules in the hand of modern haematologists to treat diverse hitherto untreatable haematological disorders effectively. In addition many old molecules are finding newer uses in diverse fields, thalidomide as an antiangiogenic molecule is a prime example of this genre. Present overview has tried to capture this rapidly evolving area in a broad canvas without going into details of indications and contraindications of the use of various drugs.

Monoclonal antibodies used for management of hematological disorders

“…There has been tremendous advances in the therapeutics for hematological disorders over the last three decades, some of which has already been recorded elsewhere. [1,2] Nowadays many hematological disorders are treated with monoclonal antibodies (MAs) either alone or in combination with other drugs. Monoclonal antibodies (MAs) have found its use in hematooncology, red cell disorders and thrombotic disorders as well as in hereditary bleeding disorders.…”