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The Value of Erythropoietin Therapy in Cancer Patients

The Value of Erythropoietin Therapy in Cancer Patients Fatigue is an extremely common symptom in cancer patients, often producing a deleterious effect on quality of life. It is most commonly the consequence of anemia, which results from the cancer itself or therapy. Considerable interest exists as to whether the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) or a newer analog, darbepoetin alfa, is able to correct or prevent anemia in cancer patients, reduce or abolish transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life. Studies have explored the use of erythropoietin in several settings, including patients receiving (or not) cytostatic therapy. Fifty to sixty percent of patients respond to erythropoietin but the expense of this drug prompts concern about its cost effectiveness and as a result, consideration of how best to target its use. The prolonged duration of action of darbepoetin alfa allows less frequent administration (typically once a week) compared with rHuEPO, but the optimal dose and regimen are less well defined. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png American Journal of Cancer Springer Journals

The Value of Erythropoietin Therapy in Cancer Patients

Booton, Richard; Thatcher, Nick
American Journal of Cancer , Volume 4 (2) – Aug 10, 2012
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Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 by Adis Data Information BV
Subject
Pharmacy; Pharmacy
ISSN
1175-6357
DOI
10.2165/00024669-200504020-00003
Publisher site
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Abstract

Fatigue is an extremely common symptom in cancer patients, often producing a deleterious effect on quality of life. It is most commonly the consequence of anemia, which results from the cancer itself or therapy. Considerable interest exists as to whether the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) or a newer analog, darbepoetin alfa, is able to correct or prevent anemia in cancer patients, reduce or abolish transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life. Studies have explored the use of erythropoietin in several settings, including patients receiving (or not) cytostatic therapy. Fifty to sixty percent of patients respond to erythropoietin but the expense of this drug prompts concern about its cost effectiveness and as a result, consideration of how best to target its use. The prolonged duration of action of darbepoetin alfa allows less frequent administration (typically once a week) compared with rHuEPO, but the optimal dose and regimen are less well defined.

Journal

American Journal of Cancer – Springer Journals

Published: Aug 10, 2012

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