Erythropoietin for patients undergoing radiotherapy: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) to correct decreased hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing radiotherapy and to get an estimate of its influence on the efficacy of radiotherapy.


METHODS
Fifty patients with cancer of the head and neck and the pelvis were randomized before radiotherapy to different rhEPO treatments (none, 3 x 150 U/kg per week i.v., 3 x 300 U/kg per week i.v. and 3 x 150 U/kg per week s.c.). Hematological parameters were evaluated weekly and the locoregional tumor control rates were determined in 38 patients with head and neck cancer.


RESULTS
rhEPO-treated patients showed a significant increase in their hemoglobin values (0.7 g/100 ml per week). The rhEPO response was comparable for patients with cancer of the head and neck and the pelvis. A delayed recovery was seen when iron deficiency or impaired iron mobilization was present. No serious toxicity was observed. Locoregional tumor control was improved, although not statistically significantly, in those head and neck cancer patients who experienced a rapid rise of hemoglobin.


CONCLUSIONS
Low hemoglobin levels can be safely and quickly corrected with rhEPO. This may improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy.
Henke
M
M
Abteilung Strahlentherapie, Radiologische Universitätsklinik, Freiburg i.Br., Germany.
Guttenberger
R
R
Barke
A
A
Pajonk
F
F
Pötter
R
R
Frommhold
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D007501:Iron