Spanish Society of Medical Oncology consensus on the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents in anaemic cancer patients.
Treatment of anaemia is a very important aspect in the management of cancer patients. In order to carry out a consensus process about the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESAs) in cancer patients, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) elaborated a working group which coordinated a panel of medical oncology specialists. This working group has reviewed the main issues about the use of ESAs. In addition a consensus meeting was held in Madrid on 25 April 2007. The following conclusions were made: Since ESA treatment increases the haemoglobin (Hb) level and decreases the red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements, ESAs should be used within the approved indications in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, beginning at a Hb level below 11 g/dl and maintaining it around 12 g/dl, with iron supplements if necessary. Neither increasing the ESA dose in nonresponders nor the use of ESAs in the treatment of chronic cancer-related anaemia is recommended.
Alberola Candel
Vicente
V
Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Valencia, Spain. alberola_vicara@gva.es
Carrato Mena
Alfredo
A
Díaz-Rubio García
Eduardo
E
Gascón Vilaplana
Pere
P
González Barón
Manuel
M
Martín Jiménez
Miguel
M
Alba Conejo
Emilio
E
Cassinello Espinosa
Javier
J
Colomer
Ramon
R
Cruz Hernández
Juan Jesús
JJ
Barnadas i Molins
Agustí
A
Camps Herrero
Carlos
C
Casas Fernández de Tejerina
Ana Ma
AM
Carulla Torrent
Joan
J
Constenla Figueiras
Manuel
M
Gavilá Gregori
Joaquin
J
Isla Casado
Ma Dolores
MD
Massuti Sureda
Bartomeu
B
Provencio Pulla
Mariano
M
Rodríguez Sánchez
César Augusto
CA
Sanz Ortiz
Jaime
J
D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006397:Hematinics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013030:Spain
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006397:Hematinics; D006454:Hemoglobins; D007501:Iron