Efficacy and safety of biosimilar epoetin alpha in patients with chronic lymphoid neoplasms and chemotherapy-induced anaemia: An observational, retrospective, monocentric analysis.
Epoetin biosimilars are an alternative to originator erythropoietic agents in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia; however, their effects in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders remain unclear. This analysis examined the response of patients with lymphoproliferative disorders experiencing chemotherapy-induced anaemia to 4- or 8-week treatment with the biosimilar epoetin alpha. Treatment was initiated at first occurrence of haemoglobin (Hb) < 10 g/dL during chemotherapy and was stopped when Hb was >11 g/dL, when chemotherapy was completed, or in case of transfusion dependency. Response to epoetin alpha was defined as an increase in Hb of >1 g/dL or as an Hb > 11 g/dL. Stability was defined as change in Hb of ±1 g/dL, and no response was indicated by a decrease in Hb of >1 g/dL or acquired transfusion dependence. Overall, 65 patients were enrolled (median age 69 years; 47.7% ≥ 70 years old). Mean Hb levels at the initiation of epoetin alpha was 9.3 ± 0.5 g/dL. Mean Hb levels reached 10.7 ± 1.4 and 10.6 ± 1.5 g/dL at weeks 4 and 8, respectively, in patients on first-line chemotherapy and 11.4 ± 1.6 and 9.7 ± 1.3 g/dL in those on a second- or higher-line regimen. Overall, 70.8% of patients responded, 26.1% had stable Hb, and 3.1% did not respond. Delays or interruption of any chemotherapy cycle due to anaemia occurred in 18 patients. The biosimilar epoetin alpha was well tolerated and allowed patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic lymphoproliferative disorders to continue their course of chemotherapy by effectively increasing and maintaining adequate concentrations of Hb.
Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Alessandro
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5633-7313
A
Broccoli
Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Lisa
L
Argnani
Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Vittorio
V
Stefoni
Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Letizia
L
Gandolfi
Institute of Hematology "L. e A. Seràgnoli", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Pier Luigi
PL
Zinzani
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D000068817:Epoetin Alfa
biosimilar; chemotherapy-induced anaemia; epoetin alpha; haemoglobin; tolerability