The therapeutic role of recombinant erythropoietin in anemic patients with intact endogenous production of erythropoietin.
Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) has been shown to be remarkably effective in raising the hemoglobin concentrations and improving the quality of life of patients with chronic renal disease. It is currently under investigation for treatment of patients with nonrenal anemias associated with cancer chemotherapy, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic illnesses. To date, investigators have shown that patients with mild anemia and low endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) production may be good candidates for such treatment. Conversely, studies have shown that patients with severe anemia and serum EPO concentrations of above 500 mU/mL apparently do not respond to doses used for patients with mild anemia or chronic renal disease. Large doses of r-HuEPO may be of use in such patients, and clinical trials are in progress to determine if it is at least possible to make these patients transfusion-independent.
Erslev
A J
AJ
Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin