Erythropoietin in cancer-related anemia.
OBJECTIVE
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents reduce the transfusion requirements of anemic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Risks associated with the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in cancer patients have more recently been identified.


RESULTS
Several recently published phase III trials and a meta-analysis have shown an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and a decreased survival in anemic cancer patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.


CONCLUSIONS
To minimize risks associated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use in cancer patients, the most recent American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology clinical practice guidelines and Food and Drug Administration recommendations should be followed.
Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. fenner.martin@mh-hannover.de
Martin H
MH
Fenner
Arnold
A
Ganser
D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012306:Risk; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004921:Erythropoietin; D007501:Iron