Erythropoietin and anemia of cancer.
Anemia is a common complication of cancer but its causes differ widely. However, a significant number of patients with even early cancer experience a suppression of the action of erythropoietin on the bone marrow, presumably caused by the release of cytokines. The ensuing anemia may be mild and "asymptomatic". Nevertheless, it drains physical and emotional vigor so necessary in the fight against the underlying disorder. The therapeutic use of recombinant human erythropoietin has been gratifying and in many cases restored to near normal not only the hemoglobin concentration but also the quality of life.
Erslev
A J
AJ
Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-5099, USA. Allan.J.Erslev@mail.tju.edu
D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D004900:Erythroblasts; D015672:Erythroid Precursor Cells; D004920:Erythropoiesis; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin