Martin H Fenner1, Arnold Ganser. 1. Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. fenner.martin@mh-hannover.de
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents reduce the transfusion requirements of anemic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Risks associated with the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in cancer patients have more recently been identified. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recently published phase III trials and a meta-analysis have shown an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and a decreased survival in anemic cancer patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. SUMMARY: To minimize risks associated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use in cancer patients, the most recent American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology clinical practice guidelines and Food and Drug Administration recommendations should be followed.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents reduce the transfusion requirements of anemic cancerpatients receiving chemotherapy. Risks associated with the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in cancerpatients have more recently been identified. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recently published phase III trials and a meta-analysis have shown an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and a decreased survival in anemic cancerpatients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. SUMMARY: To minimize risks associated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use in cancerpatients, the most recent American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology clinical practice guidelines and Food and Drug Administration recommendations should be followed.
Authors: Shau-Hsuan Li; Valerie S Hawthorne; Christopher L Neal; Sartaj Sanghera; Jia Xu; Jun Yang; Hua Guo; Patricia S Steeg; Dihua Yu Journal: Cancer Res Date: 2009-12-15 Impact factor: 12.701