FOSTAMATINIB AS A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH FOR REFRACTORY IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN AN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENT: A CASE REPORT

• Dr. Michael Jacks

  Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA

  Author

• Prof. Sarah Jenkins

  Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK

  Author

Living with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) can be incredibly challenging, especially for individuals also managing HIV. This case report shares the remarkable journey of a 50-year-old man living with HIV who faced severe, persistent ITP that stubbornly resisted many standard treatments. Despite a well-controlled HIV infection, his platelet counts remained dangerously low, leading to recurrent bleeding episodes. We describe how fostamatinib, a targeted oral medication, was introduced into his care. Within just two weeks, we saw a rapid and sustained rise in his platelet count, stabilizing at a much safer level within two months. Importantly, he tolerated the medication exceptionally well, with no significant side effects or interference with his HIV treatment. This story offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating fostamatinib's potential as a safe and effective option for those with challenging HIV-associated ITP, opening new avenues for patients who felt they had run out of choices. More research will help us understand its full impact for others like him.

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