[Concern about the safety of erythropoietin in cancer patients].
Erythropoietin has been shown to shorten survival in cancer patients under certain circumstances. Possible mechanisms are an increase in thrombotic events, tumour progression, and induction of angiogenesis. The FDA advises its use in oncology only as a replacement for blood transfusions in patients receiving chemotherapy. In these patients, a rise in haemoglobin above 7.4 mmol/l should be avoided.
Academisch Medisch Centrum, Universiteit van Amsterdam, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, onderafd. Hematologie, Amsterdam. j.van.der.lelie@orange.nl
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D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004921:Erythropoietin