[Erythropoiesis stimulating proteins for the treatment of anemia in cancer patients].
Erythropoiesis stimulating proteins are approved for chemotherapy-induced anemia. Treatment with ESPs results in an increase in hemoglobin in 60 - 70 % of patients and in a significant reduction in transfusion need. A marked increase in hemoglobin levels usually is associated with an improvement in quality of life. Relevant side effects include an increase in thromboembolic complications and, in case of use in unapproved indications, a minimally increased mortality, which is not seen when ESPs are used in the approved indications. Treatment with ESPs should be initiated at hemoglobin levels < 100 g/l and a target level of 120 g/l should not be exceeded.
Zentrum für Onkologie und Hämatologie, I. Medizinische Abteilung, Wilhelminenspital, Wien.
Sabine
S
Burger
Martina
M
Lehnert
Heinz
H
Ludwig
D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011506:Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006397:Hematinics; D011506:Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin