Erythropoietin treatment of idiopathic myelofibrosis.
BACKGROUND
In order to determine whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) may play a role in treating anemia in idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF), a pilot study using high doses of rHuEPO was conducted on patients with IMF.


RESULTS
From September, 1990 to December, 1992, 7 patients (6 males and 1 female, median age 68 years) affected by IMF entered the trial. RHuEPO was administered subcutaneously 5 days a week at a dosage of 160 U/kg daily for three months. Out of 7 patients, 4 obtained a response. These responders received additional maintenance treatment with rHuEPO until relapse. Response duration was 6, 7, 10+, and 16 months, respectively. Treatment was well-tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that rHuEPO may play a role in the treatment of anemia in some IMF patients.
Aloe Spiriti
M
M
Department of Human Biopathology, University La Sapienza of Roma, Italy.
Latagliata
R
R
Avvisati
G
G
Battistel
V
V
Montefusco
E
E
Spadea
A
A
Petti
M C
MC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055728:Primary Myelofibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin