Impact of erythropoietin treatment on the quality of life of oncologic patients.

Anaemia has a high incidence in cancer patients, especially when it is a consequence of myelosuppressive treatments. The incidence and prevalence of this condition is influenced by the type and extension of the tumour, type and intensity of the myelosuppressive treatment that patients receive, and previous surgery or intercurrent infections. Clinical manifestations of anaemia, overlapped by tumour symptomatology, depend on haemoglobin (Hb) levels; these manifestations cause impairment of the functional capacity, as well as a negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients as a consequence. Erythropoietin treatment for anaemia has been established as optimal for correcting Hb levels. Its impact on patients' QOL has been evaluated in numerous randomised prospective studies by the use of diverse types of erythropoietin and administration modes. The three types of erythropoietin, alpha, beta and darbepoetin alpha, have shown a clear efficacy in all haematological parameters. This positive effect is related with significant improvements in the QOL of patients, especially those patients undergoing myelosuppressive treatments, and with regard to specific scales of fatigue and anaemia.