Serum erythropoietin levels in ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of repeated cis-dichlorodiamine-platinum (CDDP) exposure on serum erythropoietin (Epo) levels.


METHODS
In seven patients with ovarian cancer, Epo and haemoglobin concentration (c(Hb)) were measured before, 24h and 7 days after administration of the first three courses of chemotherapy. In seven control patients undergoing gynaecological surgery for non-malignant reasons, Epo and c(Hb) were measured before, 24h and 7 days after the operation.


RESULTS
Following Epo increased, independent of concomitant anaemia, especially after the third course: 51mU/ml (S.D. 46) versus 122mU/ml (S.D. 83) (P=0.02). In the control patients, Epo was lower although the decrease of c(Hb) was significantly higher.


CONCLUSIONS
Cis-platinum chemotherapy induces an increase in erythropoietin levels independent of anaemia. The underlying mechanism remains to be investigated.
Pedain
C
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 32, 35392 Giessen, Germany. claudia.pedain@gyn.med.uni-giessen.de
Herrero
J
J
Künzel
W
W
D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006454:Hemoglobins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D002945:Cisplatin