Prevention of anemia in patients with solid tumors receiving platinum-based chemotherapy by recombinant human Erythropoietin (rHuEpo): a prospective, open label, randomized trial by the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group.
OBJECTIVE
Platinum compounds are commonly associated with significant anemia. Erythropoietin administration has been found effective in correcting anemia in patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy. We conducted a randomized, open label study to assess the efficacy of erythropoietin in preventing transfusions and significant anemia (hemoglobin <10 g/dl) in patients with solid tumors receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.


METHODS
One hundred forty-four patients with hemoglobin <13 g/dl were included in this study (72 in each arm). Patients in the treatment arm received 10,000 U of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) thrice weekly s.c. during platinum-based chemotherapy, while patients in the control arm received no treatment.


RESULTS
All patients were evaluable for efficacy. Transfusions were reduced by the administration of rHuEPO (15.3 vs. 33.3%, p = 0.019), and fewer patients developed significant anemia (16.6 vs. 45.8%, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with observed to predicted (O/P) serum erythropoietin levels <or=0.9 and responders to chemotherapy benefited from erythropoietin administration in contrast to patients with O/P >0.9 or non-responders.


CONCLUSIONS
rHuEPO at a dose of 10,000 U thrice weekly prevents transfusions and development of significant anemia in patients with solid tumors receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.
Bamias
A
A
Oncology Department, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece. abamias@med.uoa.gr
Aravantinos
G
G
Kalofonos
C
C
Timotheadou
N
N
Siafaka
V
V
Vlahou
I
I
Janinis
D
D
Pectasides
D
D
Pavlidis
N
N
Fountzilas
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin