Use of recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of anemia in patients who have cancer
Abels, R.I.
Seminars in Oncology 19(3 Suppl 8: 29-35
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0093-7754 PMID: 1615337 Document Number: 388629
Mild to moderate anemia associated with malignant disease can contribute to the overall morbidity in patients with cancer. Because this anemia has been linked to a blunted erythropoietin response, recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) was assessed as a means to correct it and provide some degree of palliation. Three different patient populations were studied: one population not administered chemotherapy, a second population administered chemotherapy that did not include cisplatin, and a third population administered chemotherapy that included cisplatin. In all patient populations, r-HuEPO increased hematocrit values compare with placebo. In the two chemotherapy-treated populations, r-HuEPO decreased blood transfusion requirements after the first month of therapy. Patient-rated energy levels, ability to engage in daily activity, and overall quality of life improved in patients who responded to r-HuEPO therapy with an increase in hematocrit values of 6 percentage points or more. Thus, it appears that r-HuEPO may be a useful adjunct for palliation and treatment of anemia in patients with cancer.