Use of recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of anemia in patients who have cancer.

Mild to moderate anemia associated with malignant disease can contribute to the overall morbidity in patients with cancer. Because this anemia has been linked to a blunted erythropoietin response, recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) was assessed as a means to correct it and provide some degree of palliation. Three different patient populations were studied: one population not administered chemotherapy, a second population administered chemotherapy that did not include cisplatin, and a third population administered chemotherapy that included cisplatin. In all patient populations, r-HuEPO increased hematocrit values compare with placebo. In the two chemotherapy-treated populations, r-HuEPO decreased blood transfusion requirements after the first month of therapy. Patient-rated energy levels, ability to engage in daily activity, and overall quality of life improved in patients who responded to r-HuEPO therapy with an increase in hematocrit values of 6 percentage points or more. Thus, it appears that r-HuEPO may be a useful adjunct for palliation and treatment of anemia in patients with cancer.