The application of recombinant erythropoietin in anemic patients with cancer
Spivak, J.L.
Seminars in Oncology 19(3 Suppl 8: 25-28
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0093-7754 PMID: 1615336 Document Number: 404211
Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) has been shown to correct anemia and alleviate transfusion dependency in patients with end-stage renal disease, to ameliorate anemia and reduce transfusion requirements in anemic patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, to correct anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to facilitate predeposit autologous blood donation. Cancer is frequently complicated by anemia, and a survey of serum erythropoietin concentrations in anemic cancer patients showed inappropriately low concentrations for the degree of anemia. Initial clinical trials suggest that r-HuEPO can correct the anemia associated with malignancy, but the exact role of the recombinant hormone in this situation remains to be defined.