Epoetin Beta once-weekly therapy in anemic patients with solid tumors and non-myeloid hematological malignancies receiving chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to provide further clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of epoetin beta once weekly across a wide range of cancer types.


METHODS
This was a multicenter, open-label, prospective, single-arm study in patients with either a solid tumor or non-myeloid hematological malignancy, receiving or scheduled to receive further chemotherapy. Patients received epoetin beta 30,000 IU subcutaneously once weekly for 16 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in hemoglobin (Hb) level according to the patient's baseline Hb level.


RESULTS
A total of 691 patients were included in the intent-to-treat population. Epoetin beta effectively increased Hb levels (a mean increase from baseline of 1.1 g/dl by week 4 and 2.2 g/dl by week 12). Hb response was achieved in 60.4% of all patients and 61.2% of those with baseline Hb <11 g/dl. Hb response was similar in patients with solid tumors (60.5%) and non-myeloid hematological malignancies (60.2%). Type of chemotherapy and baseline platelet count were independent predictive factors for response. Epoetin beta treatment was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Epoetin beta 30,000 IU once weekly effectively increases Hb levels, is well tolerated and has similar efficacy in anemic patients with solid tumors or non-myeloid hematological malignancies.
Centre d'Oncologie de Gentilly, Nancy, France. oncomed@wanadoo.fr
Dominique
D
Spaëth
Bernard
B
Desablens
Philippe
P
Rodon
Bertrand
B
Mennecier
Stéphane
S
Oudard
Isabelle
I
Moullet
Kamel
K
Ghomari
Loïc
L
Bergougnoux
Pascal
P
Bleuzen
Arash
A
Jenabian
Norbert
N
Ifrah
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006397:Hematinics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006397:Hematinics; D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C103998:epoetin beta; D004921:Erythropoietin