effect of subcutaneous R-Hu EPO in patients with malignancy and anemia secondary to chemotherapy

ABSTRACT

Cancer patients receiving cisplatinum containing chemotherapy often develop anemia; although the cause is multifactorial, erythropoietin deficiency appears to play an important role. This study included six patients with epithelial ovarian, seminomatous germ cell malignancies, colonic adenocarcinoma and nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with cisplatinum containing chemotherapy and manifesting anemia, [Hb <10 g/dl] not responding to full iron and multivitamin therapy received subcutaneous r-Hu EPO in a dose of 150 mu/kg/day, three times weekly for eight weeks. Three out of six patients achieved completed response [Hb >10 g/dl], two-six patients achieved good response [an increase in Hb level >1 g/dl with Hb <10 g/dl] and one-six patients achieved moderate response [an increase in Hb level <1 g/dl]. The improvement in Hb level was accompanied by a decrease in blood transfusion requirements. There was also improvement of quality of life [assessed by linear scale analogue] among five-six patients. The drug is well tolerated with no severe toxic effects. Mild transient local itching and erthyema were seen among two-four patients