Effects of darbepoetin alfa administered every two weeks on hemoglobin and quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the effects on hemoglobin and quality of life of an every-two-week (Q2W) regimen of the erythropoietic agent darbepoetin alfa for treating patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.


METHODS
Published articles and abstracts.


RESULTS
Darbepoetin alfa Q2W increases hemoglobin in patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia and is well tolerated. Increased hemoglobin is associated with improvements in fatigue and energy level. A starting dose of darbepoetin alfa 3.0 mcg/kg (approximately 200 mcg for an average 70 kg patient) Q2W produces a similar level of response to recombinant human erythropoietin.


CONCLUSIONS
Darbepoetin alfa effectively treats chemotherapy associated anemia with fewer clinic visits and fewer injections than are required with conventional erythropoietic therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The less-frequent dosing schedule of darbepoetin alfa can simplify anemia management for nurses and other clinic staff, and it offers patients greater freedom in their day-to-day activities, less dependence on caregivers, and less injection-associated discomfort.
Folloder
Jody
J
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. jfollode@mdanderson.org
D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa