Advanced cancer is often accompanied by anaemia, which may worsen with concomitant administration of chemotherapy. Serum erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations are lower in cancer patients than in patients with iron deficiency, suggesting that the anaemia observed in cancer patients is at least partially due to a relative deficiency of EPO. Consequently, we studied the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) therapy in three populations of anaemic cancer patients: patients not receiving concomitant chemotherapy or radiotherapy; patients receiving cyclic, non-cisplatin-containing chemotherapy, and patients receiving cyclic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. Therapy with r-HuEPO was well tolerated; it increased haematocrit levels and corrected anaemia, irrespective of concomitant chemotherapy or the type of chemotherapy administered. A dose of 150 U/kg r-HuEPO given subcutaneously 3 times weekly decreased transfusion requirements after the 1st month of therapy; improved functional capacity was noted in patients who achieved a significant increase in haematocrit in response to r-HuEPO therapy.

Keywords:
Anaemia, Chemotherapy, Erythropoietin, recombinant human
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1992 S. Karger AG, Basel
1992
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.