Benefits of epoetin alfa in anemic breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often exhibit anemia, which contributes to symptoms such as fatigue, compromising quality of life (QOL). The present subset analysis assessed the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa) on anemia and QOL in approximately 1300 patients with breast cancer, who were derived from 3 large, community-based clinical trials of epoetin alfa in anemic chemotherapy patients with various malignancies. Epoetin alfa effectively and safely corrected anemia and improved QOL scores on the Linear Analogue Self-Assessment, which measures energy, ability to perform daily activities, and QOL. Clinical, laboratory, and QOL improvements were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to those reported in the larger populations with various tumor types. The efficacy and safety of epoetin alfa did not vary according to dosing frequency (1 vs. 3 times weekly). Epoetin alfa is, therefore, effective and safe in the management of anemia in patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.
Demetri
George D
GD
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. gdemetri@partners.org
Gabrilove
Janice L
JL
Blasi
Michael V
MV
Hill
Richard J
RJ
Glaspy
John
J
D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa