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.
Fenner
Martin H
MH
Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. fenner.martin@mh-hannover.de
Ganser
Arnold
A
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