Erythropoietin and radiotherapy in lung cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in relation to low hemoglobin (Hb) level, overall tumor response rates, and rhEPO adverse events in patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT).


METHODS
Thirteen consecutive patients were included. All of them had measurable tumor before RT. 150 IU/kg of rhEPO-alpha or -beta were administered 3 times per week, 7-10 days before RT. The target Hb value was 13 g/dl. Tumor response was assessed 6 weeks after completion of RT.


RESULTS
Response to rhEPO was seen 62% (n=8) of the patients. Weekly mean Hb increment was 0.69 g/dl (range 0.42-1). The mean Hb value during RT was 13.2 g/dl (range 9-14.7) in responding patients, and 10.7 g/dl (range 9.7-11.8) in non-responding patients (p=0.005). Overall response rates to RT were significantly higher in responding than in non-responding patients (p=0.034).


CONCLUSIONS
rhEPO increased Hb levels in lung cancer patients undergoing RT. However, safety, and more importantly, indications need further clarifications.
Yurut-Caloglu
V
V
Trakya University Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology, Edirne, Turkey. vuslatyurut@yahoo.com
Haydaroglu
A
A
Ozkok
S
S
Yalman
D
D
Bolukbasi
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin