Whatever Happened to Vinca-Loaded Platelets?

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Abstract
Over five years ago, Ahn and his associates published a paper on the use of platelets that had been "loaded" with vinblastine in the treatment of refractory idiopathic (immune) thrombocytopenic purpura.1 Normal platelets were incubated with vinca alkaloid, and excess drug was partially but not completely removed. The platelets were then infused into the patient. With this regimen, 6 of 11 patients had a complete remission, although 3 of the 6 had a fairly rapid relapse. Five of the six had previously responded to the intravenous administration of vincristine. Three other patients had brief partial remissions, and two patients did . . .