Activation of the cytokine network by muroctasin as a remedy for leukopenia and thrombopenia.

N2-[(N-Acetylmuramoyl)-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl]-N6-stearoyl-L-lysine (MDP-Lys(L18), muroctasin), a derivative of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), is known to promote recovery of peripheral leukocyte and platelet counts by inducing cytokines, especially colony stimulating factor (CSF) in myelosuppression secondary to anticancer therapy. This paper reviews the results of a double-blind comparative study on lung cancer patients, administered either 200 micrograms or 20 micrograms of muroctasin for 6 days post-chemotherapy. It demonstrates the efficacy of muroctasin, at 200 micrograms doses levels only, in promoting early recovery of leukocyte and platelet counts and hence the potential for earlier initiation of chemotherapy cycles. The most common side effect encountered during the study was transient fever.