title: The impact of weekly dosing of epoetin alfa on the haematological parameters and on the quality of life of anaemic cancer patients.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and the impact of once-weekly administration of epoetin alfa (Ea) on the management of anaemia and on the quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Eighty cancer patients with life expectancy > or = 24 weeks and haemoglobin (Hb) levels < 10.5 g/dL were studied. After an initial screening of patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, Ea 40000 U once a week was administered over a period of 4 months. In case of patients with Hb level exceeding > 14 g/dL or in case of non-response, the dosage was reconsidered. Every month, data regarding Hb levels, clinical variations, changes in the chemotherapy regimen and transfusion use since the last study visit, were evaluated. The Linear Analogue Scale Assessment scale was used for the evaluation of the QOL. The readmissions to hospital rates (P < 0.002) and the transfusion use rates (P < 0.003) were significantly decreased comparatively with baseline. A mean increase from baseline to the final Hb level (P < 0.001) was established, as well as a significant improvement in the functional ability, energy and in the overall QOL (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the treatment of cancer patients with Ea once-weekly is effective and safe, improving their haematological parameters and QOL.
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Oncology, Department of Medicine, General Hospital of Kos Island, Greece.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Heras
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Argyriou
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Papapetropoulos
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karagiannis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Argyriou
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mitsibounas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006397:Hematinics; D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa