The application of recombinant erythropoietin in anemic patients with cancer.
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.
Spivak
J L
JL
Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin