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.¹

Fatigue is one of the major complaints among patients with cancer. In some instances fatigue is related to anemia, which can often be alleviated by the administration of epoetin alfa (Procrit®, Epogen®) and Aranesp. Aranesp is approved by the FDA for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in cancer patients. However, the role of Aranesp in treating anemia in cancer patients not receiving chemotherapy is more controversial. The ASH/ASCO clinical practice guidelines, published in November of 2007, do not recommend Ananesp for patients with cancer not receiving chemotherapy due to the increased risk of thromboembolism and decreased survival. However, many patients with cancer not receiving chemotherapy are currently receiving Aranesp to improve quality of life.

The current study looked at quality-of-life measurements in patients with a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL or lower who had not received chemotherapy or radiation therapy for eight weeks or more. These authors reported that increases in hemoglobin levels associated with Aranesp administration correlated with improvement in fatigue, mental function, physical function, well-being, and activity as well as overall health.

Comments: These observations confirm the results of previous studies, which have shown quality-of-life benefits from epoetins in patients with cancer-related anemia. In order to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer-related anemia, clinicians will need to choose between Aranesp and blood transfusions for optimal supportive care. Given the current data, Aranesp will probably continue to be the treatment of choice for cancer-related anemia despite the potential risks.

Related News:

ASH/ASCO Updates Clinical Practice Guidelines for Epoetin Alfa and Darbepoetin Alfa (11/12/2007)

Every-2 Week Aranesp® Effective for Anemia of Cancer (07/06/2007)

Aranesp® Effective for Anemia of Cancer (7/12/2005)

Ritalin® and Epoetins May Alleviate Cancer-related Fatigue (08/20/2008)

 Provigil®, a Eugeroic Agent, Improves Severe Cancer-related Fatigue (06/13/2008)

 Ginseng May Improve Cancer-Related Fatigue (06/14/2007)

 Cancer-Related Fatigue May Improve with Erythropoietin and Exercise (11/04/2003)

 Correction of Anemia with Aranesp® Decreases Cancer Related Fatigue, Anxiety and Depression (07/24/2003)

Early Procrit® Improves Quality of Life in Patients With Mild Anemia (10/23/2006)

Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Better when Hemoglobin Levels Are Maintained Between 11-13 g/dL with Procrit® (8/6/2002)

Reference:

¹ Smith JR, Glaspy JA, Tchekmedyian NS, et al. Hemoglobin increase is associated with improved health-related quality of life in patients with cancer not receiving chemotherapy. Supportive Cancer Therapy. 2009;1:49-54.