Whereas high MPL expression in leukemic cells at diagnosis of AML can lead to MPL receptor-mediated cytokine-scavenging of TPO and to pronounced thrombocytopenia independent of the degree of bone marrow infiltration, the occurrence of EPR after induction treatment seems to be independent of MPL expression on leukemic cells at diagnosis, but strongly associated with TPO plasma levels at diagnosis. This evidence concerns the gene TPO and Thrombocytopenia.