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Anemia and Fatigue
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Patterns of Use of Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents in Medicare Population Reported (11/19/2009)
Researchers from Columbia Medical Center have reported that by 2002, 45.9% of Medicare recipients with common cancers were treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) such a Procrit® (epoetin alfa) and Aranesp® (darbepoietin). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on November 10, 2009.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents Increase Mortality in Cancer Patients (12/11/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the EPO IPD Meta-Analysis Collaborative Group have reported that erythropoiesis-stimulatin agents (ESAs), such as Epogen® (epoetin alfa) and darbebpoetin (Aranesp®), increase on-study mortality by 17% and decease overall survival by 6% compared with control patients. The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society Hematology on December 6, 2008 in San Francisco.
Age of Blood Used for Transfusions May Affect Incidence of Infection (10/30/2008)
Researchers affiliated with Cooper University Hospital in Camden NJ have reported that transfused blood stored longer than 29 days was associated with an increased risk of infection compared to blood stored for a shorter period of time. The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, which was held October 25-28 in Philadelphia.
Aranesp® Improves Quality of Life in Anemic Patients Not Receiving Chemotherapy (9/8/2008)
Researchers affiliated with South Carolina Oncology Associates have reported that the administration of Aranesp® (darbepoetin) to patients with cancer-related anemia not receiving chemotherapy or radiatiotherapy improves quality-of-life parameters. The details of this study appeared in the October issue of Supportive Cancer Therapy.
Intravenous Iron Improves Response to Aranesp® (4/4/2008)
Two randomized clinical trials published in the April 1, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology demonstrated that the administration of intravenous iron and Aranesp® (darbepoetin) improved hemoglobin response compared with Aranesp alone in patients with chemotherapy-related anemia.
Venous Thromboembolism and Mortality Increased by Erythropoietin Use in Cancer Patients (2/28/2008)
Researchers from more than 20 U.S. medical centers have reported that erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) Epogen® (epoetin alfa) and darbebpoetin (Aranesp®) administered to patients with cancer-related anemia is associated with a 57% increase in the incidence of venous-thromboembolism (VTE) and a 10% increase in mortality from all causes. The details of this study were published in the February 27, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents do not Affect Long-Term Survival of Gleevec® Treated Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (12/13/2007)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the use of erythropoiesis agents (ESA) such as epoetin alfa (Epogen®, Procrit®) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®) do not affect survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-10, in Atlanta Georgia.
ASH/ASCO Updates Clinical Practice Guidelines for Epoetin Alfa and Darbepoetin Alfa (11/12/2007)
Researchers from several U.S. medical centers have updated the clinical practice guidelines for the erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) epoetin alfa (Epogen®, Procrit®) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®). These guidelines have been approved by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and were published as an early on-line publication in Blood on October 23, 2007.
Amgen Revises Labeling on Erythropoietin-stimulating Agents (11/8/2007)
Amgen, in collaboration with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, has updated package inserts for Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) and Epogen®/Procrit® (epoetin alfa).
Epoetin Alfa Has No Effect on Survival or Relapse in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (11/6/2007)
Researchers affiliated with RTOG 99-03 study have reported that the administration of radiotherapy with or without recombinant erythropoietin alfa did not affect survival or relapse of anemic patients with head and neck cancer. The details of this study were published in the November 15, 2007 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics.
Aranesp® for Chemotherapy Induced Anemia has no Adverse Effect on Survival or Relapse (9/27/2007)
Researchers affiliated with six randomized controlled trials of Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) versus placebo for treatment of chemotherapy induced anemia (CIA) in patients with non-myeloid malignancies have reported that Aranesp decreases transfusion requirements and improves hemoglobin responses without an adverse effect on disease progression or survival. The details of this analysis were presented at the 14th European Cancer Conference in Barcelona.
Aranesp® Has No Adverse Effect on Survival or Progression-free Survival when Used to Treat Chemotherapy-induced Anemia in SCLC (9/17/2007)
Researchers involved in Amgen’s Aranesp pharmacovigilance program (the 145 Study) have reported that Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) has no adverse effect on the outcomes of patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. The details of this randomized Phase III study were reported at the 2007 World Conference on Lung Cancer.
Congress Asks Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Reconsider Guidelines for Use of Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (9/7/2007)
On September 4, 2007 the senate passed a “Sense of the Senate” non-binding resolution asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicade Services (CMS) to reconsider its highly restrictive National Coverage Determination (NCD) for erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). The details of this document are available on the Community Oncology Alliance web site.
G-CSF May Improve Outcomes of Patients with Severe Aplastic Anemia Treated with ATG and Cyclosporine (7/12/2007)
Researchers from Japan have reported that G-CSF (filgrastim, Kirin-Sankyo or lenograstim, Chugai) may improve outcomes of patients with aplastic anemia treated with ATG (anti-thymocyte globulin) and cyclosporine. The details of this study were published on-line in Blood on May 25, 2007.
Every-2 Week Aranesp® Effective for Anemia of Cancer (7/6/2007)
Researchers involved in a multi-center trial have reported that every-2-week Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) significantly improves hemoglobin levels and decreases transfusion requirements in patients with anemia of cancer. The details of this study appeared in the June, 2007 issue of the Oncologist. The preliminary results of this study were also presented at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) symposium in Geneva, Switzerland in June of 2005 (see related news).
Intravenous Iron Improves Clinical Outcomes of Aranesp® Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia (6/20/2007)
Researchers involved in a multicenter study have reported that iron supplementation improves the response of patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia to Aranesp (darbepoetin). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Dose- Dense Adjuvant Chemotherapy Supported by Epoetin Alfa for Breast Cancer not Associated with Increased Relapses (6/18/2007)
Researchers affiliated with CALGB have reported that the dose-dense adjuvant regimen ETC (epirubicin, paclitaxel, cyclophosphamide) supported by epoetin alfa (Epogen®, Procrit®) significantly reduces the number of red blood cell infusions, prevents anemia and does not increase relapses or effect overall survival. The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.
Ginseng May Improve Cancer-Related Fatigue (6/14/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, N03CA trial have reported that American Ginseng Doses of 1000-2000 mg/day may be effective in alleviating cancer-related fatigue. The details of this randomized trial were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.
No Risk of Cancer from Blood Transfusions (5/21/2007)
Researchers from Sweden and Denmark have concluded that blood transfusions from individuals who develop cancer within 5 years of donation do not cause cancer in the recipients. The details of this study appeared in the May 19, 2007 issue of The Lancet.
Aranesp® and Epoetin Alfa Do Not Increase Blood Clots in Ovarian Cancer (5/2/2007)
Researchers from the University of North Carolina have reported that use of Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) or epoetin alfa (Procrit® or Epogen®) does not appear to increase the risk of developing medical complications due to blood clots in patients with ovarian cancer who have chemotherapy-induced anemia. The details of this study appeared in the May 2007 issue of Gynecologic Oncology.
Intermittent Androgen Suppression Therapy Confirmed Effective for Prostate Cancer (4/27/2007)
Researchers from Canada have reported that intermittent androgen suppression (IAS) is a good treatment option for men with prostate cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology* Biology* Physics on March 20, 2007.
ASH Publishes Comments on Medicare and Medicaid Coverage of Erythropoiesis Stimulating Factors. (4/19/2007)
On April 12, 2007 the American Society of Hematology (ASH) issued comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on coverage for erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ISA’s) including Procrit®, Epogen® and Aranesp® for patients other than end stage renal disease. The details of these comments can be accessed on ASH's website at www.hematology.org.
IV Iron Decreases Epoetin Dose Requirements and Improves Hemoglobin Responses (4/13/2007)
Researchers from Sweden have reported that the addition of intravenous (IV) iron improves hemoglobin responses and decreased epoetin beta (NeoRecornan®) dose requirements in patients with lymphproliferative malignancies. The details of this study appeared in the April 2007 issue of Leukemia.
Epoetin Alfa May Decrease Survival in Anemic Patients with NSCLC (3/26/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the Ontario Oncology Group have reported that anemic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) randomly allocated to receive epoetin alfa (Eprex®, Procrit®) for disease-related anemia had a shorter median survival than patients receiving a placebo. The details of this study appeared in the March 20, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
New Guidelines on the Use of Procrit® and Ananesp® Released by the FDA (3/13/2007)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released new guidelines on the use of epoetin alfa (Procrit®) and darbepoetin alfa (Ananesp®).
Aranesp® Every 2 or 3 Weeks Confirmed as Effective as Weekly Schedule (3/12/2007)
Researchers involved in a multi-center trial have reported that Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) administered every 2 or 3 weeks is as effective as a weekly schedule for correction of chemotherapy induced anemia. The details of this interim analysis were reported at the 2007 Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Ferritin Levels Used to Determine Need for Colonoscopy in Anemic Men (11/7/2006)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have suggested that anemic men with ferritin levels below 100 ng/mL should undergo colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer.
Early Procrit® Improves Quality of Life in Patients With Mild Anemia (10/23/2006)
Researchers conducting a multicenter U.S. trial have concluded that treating early mild anemia with Procrit® (epoetin alfa) during chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies improves hemoglobin (Hb) responses, quality of life (QOL) measurements and patient productivity.
Weekly Procrit® Benefits Children Receiving Myelosuppressive Therapy (8/2/2006)
A multicenter trial has reported that weekly Procrit (epoetin alfa) improved hemoglobin levels, decreased transfusion requirements and improved quality of life (QOL) in children with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Aranesp® Plus IV Iron May Benefit Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia (6/12/2006)
According to interim results from a phase IIIb trial presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the combination of Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) and intravenous (IV) iron may increase the proportion of patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia who reach target hemoglobin levels.
Additional Evidence that Aranesp® Effective for Treating Anemia Associated with Low-Risk MDS (6/9/2006)
According to interim phase II results presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) administered every three weeks produced a major erythroid response in 59% of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who had not previously received an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
Meta-Analysis Defines Benefits and Risks of Erythropoietins (6/2/2006)
A large meta-analysis review of previously published clinical trials has concluded that use of Procrit® (epoetin) or Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) to treat anemia in cancer patients reduces the need for blood transfusions but may increase the risk of blood clots.
Every-Two-Weeks Aranesp® Comparable to Weekly Procrit® (5/23/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the 20030125 Study Group Trial have reported that every two week Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is as effective as Procrit (epoetin alfa) for the treatment of chemotherapy-related anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies.
Epoetin Alfa Effective in Correcting Anemia in Platinum-Treated Ovarian Cancer (4/7/2006)
Researchers from Greece have reported that epoetin alfa (EPO) improves hemoglobin levels, reduces transfusion requirements and improves quality of life (QOL) of women with ovarian cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.
Epoetin Alfa Improves Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Platinum Based Chemotherapy (3/10/2006)
Researchers from the Netherlands have reported that patients receiving epoetin alfa (Epo) to correct anemia have statistically significant improvement in quality of life parameters.
Every-Three-Week Aranesp® Effective Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia (3/1/2006)
European researchers have reported that patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia can be treated safely and effectively with Aranesp (darbepoetin) administered every three weeks.
Canadian Study Suggests Procrit® Should Be Started Early to Prevent Transfusions (1/31/2006)
Researchers from several Canadian Medical Centers have published data that suggests starting Epoetin at hemoglobin levels greater than 10 g/dl could reduce the number of blood transfusions.
Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia Impairs Mental and Physical Function of the Elderly (1/18/2006)
Researchers from Rome have reported that chemotherapy-related anemia has a significant impact on mental and functional abilities of the elderly.
Computer Modeling Suggests Cost-Effectiveness of Once Weekly Aranesp® to Prevent Chemotherapy Induced Anemia in Lung Cancer Patients (1/13/2006)
Researchers from France have performed a Markov analysis, which concluded that weekly Aranesp (darbepoetin) was cost-effective for prevention of anemia in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.
Anemia in Lung Cancer Patients Often Undertreated (11/30/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the European Cancer Anaemia Survey (ECAS) have reported that approximately 50% of patients with lung cancer with anemia received appropriate treatment.
Neulasta® and Aranesp® Provide Effective Hematopoietic Support for Dose-Dense Chemotherapy (11/21/2005)
Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Centerhave reported that the prophylactic administration of pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) was effective and safe for prevention of febrile neutropenia and anemia in women receiving adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of localized breast cancer.
Aranesp® Does Not Increase Relapses in Patients with Lung Cancer or Lymphoproliferative Malignancies (10/19/2005)
Researchers from Belgium have reported that treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia with Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) does not increase relapses in patients with lung cancer or lymphoproliferative malignancies.
Aranesp® Effective for Anemia of Cancer (7/12/2005)
According to results presented at the recent Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) symposium, Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) appears to be an effective treatment for anemia of cancer.
Every Three-Week Dosing of Aranesp® As Effective as Weekly Dosing for Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia (5/17/2005)
Researchers from Europe recently reported that administration of Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) once every three weeks appears just as effective as weekly administration of Aranesp in the management of anemia in patients undergoing multicycle chemotherapy. These results were presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncolgoy (ASCO).
Anemia Effectively Treated with Procrit® in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy (5/13/2005)
Researchers associated with the National Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) have reported the results of a randomized multi-center trial which confirmed that weekly treatment with Procrit® (epoetin alfa) improves hemoglobin levels, reduces the need for blood transfusions and improves quality of life in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.
Anemia Correlated with Poor Response to Chemo-Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer (3/21/2005)
Researchers from Duke University have reported that anemic patients with advanced head and neck cancers treated with radiation therapy have poorer outcomes than comparable patients without anemia. The details of this retrospective analysis were reported in the March 15, 2005 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.
Aranesp® Effective in Low-Intermediate Risk MDS (2/16/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) improves anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. The details of this report appeared in the January 2005 issue of the British Journal of Hematology.
Prevention of Anemia with Aranesp® Effective in Neoadjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer (1/27/2005)
According to results recently presented at the 27th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) can be highly effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Aranesp® Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer (1/12/2005)
According to results recently presented at the 27th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), Aranesp® significantly improves the quality of life in breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.
Aranesp® Produces Similar Outcomes with Greater Comfort and Convenience than Epoetin Alfa in Women with Anemia and Breast Cancer (12/29/2004)
According to results presented at the 27th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) is at least as effective as epoetin alfa (Procrit®) but requires significantly less dosing for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in breast cancer patients.
Aranesp® As Effective as Procrit® with Less Frequent Dosing (12/7/2004)
According to results recently published in the online edition of The Oncologist, further evidence indicates that Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) is at least as effective as Procrit® (epoetin alfa) in preventing anemia and blood transfusions in patients undergoing treatment for cancer. The number of injections of Aranesp® is reduced by half compared to Procrit®, as Aranesp® is only necessary once every two weeks, while Procrit® is required every week.
Meta-Analysis Confirms Quality of Life Improvement with Epoetin Alfa (10/14/2004)
A meta-analysis, sponsored by Johnson and Johnson, concluded that “epoetin alfa significantly improved QOL for patients with cancer, irrespective of chemotherapy use. Specifically, epoetin alfa significantly improved QOL using scales that focus on cancer and anemia.” The details of this report appeared in the October 15, 2004 issue of Cancer.
Procrit® Corrects Anemia in CML Patients Treated with Gleevec® (5/25/2004)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that anemia in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) therapy was corrected by the administration of erythropoietin (Procrit®). The details of this report appeared in the June 1, 2004 issue of Cancer.
Intravenous Iron Enhances Response to Procrit® (4/13/2004)
A multicenter randomized trial has shown that cancer patients with anemia who are receiving intravenous iron have an enhanced response to weekly Procrit®. The results of this study were reported in the April 1, 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Single Dose Neulasta® Effective for Mobilization of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (4/7/2004)
Researchers from Dresden have reported that a single 6 mg injection of Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) was as effective as multiple days of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor filgrastim (Neupogen®) for the mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells in patients undergoing autologous transplantation. The results of this study were presented at the 30th annual meeting of the European Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation in Barcelona on March 2004.
Fixed Dose of Aranesp® is as Effective as Weight Based Dosing (2/10/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the Darbepoetin Alfa 20010102 Study Group have reported that a fixed dose of Aranesp® is as effective as a dosage schedule based on weight. The results of this trial appeared in the February 14, 2004 issue of
Cancer.
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National Comprehensive Cancer Network Update on Anemia Includes Use of Aranesp® (11/5/2003)
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) updated clinical guidelines for the treatment and management of anemia, related to cancer and cancer therapy, recommend the use of Aranesp® (darbepoetin) or Procrit® (epoetin alfa).
Increased Doses of Aranesp® for Four Weeks Hasten Recovery From Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia (2/27/2003)
Aranesp® is a long-acting form of erythropoietin (rHuEPO) which was approved in July of 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of anemia in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. The usual schedule for erythropoietin is one to three times per week, whereas Aranesp® can be given on a weekly schedule. However, optimal dose and schedule of Aranesp® is still under investigation. Aranesp® is usually given at a dose of 4.5 µg/kg per week. Researchers from UCLA School of Medicine, Hematology-Oncology Associates of Jacksonville, Pacific Coast Hematology Oncology Medical Group and Amgen Inc. have reported that the administration of high loading doses of Aranesp® may hasten recovery from chemotherapy-induced anemia. They published the results of their trial in the March issue of
Cancer.
Long-Term Study Confirms Benefit of Cyclosporine in Immunosuppressive Regimen Treatment of Aplastic Anemia (2/11/2003)
Aplastic anemia is a life-threatening disease which is best treated in younger individuals by allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, the majority of patients with this disease are older or do not have a suitable stem cell source available for transplantation. The most common treatment regimen for patients with aplastic anemia who are not transplanted consists of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), prednisolone and cyclosporine. This combination has been associated with a higher response rate than for patients getting ATG or cyclosporine alone. However, patients who cross over after one of these agents can have a response to the alternate drug. Thus, the main question is whether combined use up front is better than sequential administration. In a report in the February 1, 2003 issue of
Blood, German researchers have confirmed the higher response rate of ATG, prednisone and cyclosporine compared to ATG and prednisone but found no survival difference.
Randomized Trial in Women with Breast Cancer Confirms Effectiveness of Erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) (11/5/2002)
Recombinant erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) is used to treat anemia in cancer patients. Procrit® is the usual form of epoetin alfa, but more recently Aranesp®, a longer acting formulation, has been approved for use by the FDA. All clinicians recognize that anemia can produce significant morbidity, but there is controversy over how and when to use epoetin alfa to correct anemia. Epoetin alfa is usually prescribed for patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia who have a hemoglobin (Hgb) below 10 g/dL. For patients with Hgb levels between 12 g/dL and 10 g/dL there may be clinical situations where epoetin alfa is indicated. For patients not responding to initial treatment, dose escalation for 6-8 weeks is usually recommended. When the hemoglobin reaches 12 g/dL the dose of epoetin alfa is usually titrated. Although these are general guidelines, randomized trials continue to be performed in order to determine the optimal way to administer epoetin alfa and to document effectiveness in a variety of treatment situations. At the 27th annual meeting of the European Society of Clinical Oncology, Italian researchers reported results of a randomized trial conducted in women with breast cancer.
ASH and ASCO Publish Guidelines for Use of Epoetin In Patients with Cancer (9/19/2002)
Recombinant erythropoietin (epoetin) is used to treat anemia in cancer patients. Procrit® is the usual form of epoetin, but more recently AranespÔ, a longer acting formulation, has been approved for use by the FDA. All clinicians recognize that anemia can produce significant morbidity, but there is controversy over how and when to use epoetin to correct anemia. One of the concerns is the expense of the drug, especially if overused. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology have published an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the use of epoetin in patients with cancer. This guideline appeared in the September 18, 2002 issue of
Blood.
Aranesp™ Reduces Blood Transfusions in Patients with Lung Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy (8/21/2002)
Patients with lung and other cancers receiving chemotherapy may develop anemia, which is corrected by blood transfusions. The main symptomatic side effect of anemia is fatigue. Some patients receiving chemotherapy have low levels of endogenous erythropoietin, although the cause of anemia is multifactorial and significantly includes chemotherapy suppression of blood production. Human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) can enhance red blood cell production in patients receiving chemotherapy and theoretically avoid blood transfusions despite continued myelosuppression. Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp") is a new erythropoiesis-stimulating protein that has a longer half-life than rHuEPO and can be administered less frequently.
Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Better when Hemoglobin Levels Are Maintained Between 11-13 g/dL with Procrit® (8/6/2002)
Anemia in cancer patients leads to physical, mental and social dysfunction, which interferes with quality of life. Randomized controlled trials have shown that Procrit® increases the level of hemoglobin in most patients with cancer, improves the quality of life and decreases the amount of blood that is transfused. However, the optimal level of hemoglobin required for relatively normal function of cancer patients is not clear. Many physicians try to maintain cancer patients at a hemoglobin level 10 g/dL. Researchers from several U.S. medical centers published a report in the August 1 issue of the journal
Cancer, which suggests that 10 g/dL may be too low a level for the palliation of patients with cancer. They analyzed in detail previously published studies involving 4,382 anemic cancer patients.
ARANESP™ Approved for Anemia Associated with Chemotherapy (7/24/2002)
ARANESP™ has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of anemia associated with chemotherapy. ARANESP™ had already been approved by the FDA for the treatment of anemia due to chronic renal failure.
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