[Recombinant erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) in the treatment of anemia in multiple myeloma].

BACKGROUND

Anemia is common complication in multiple myeloma (MM). Its etiology is multifactorial-bone marrow infiltration, cytokines production, renal failure and effect of chemotherapy are main contributing factors. The red cell substitution therapy, which is administrated in 34 - 53% of patients, is frequently associated with the risk of well-known side effects. The use of recombinant erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) is a novel therapy in patients with MM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We have investigated the effect of r-HuEPO (Eprex. Cilag) in the group of 8 patients with MM. The growth factor was administrated in the dose of 150 U/kg. 3 times/ week s.c. The criterium of response was the increase of Hb levels of 20 g/L. All patients responded to r-HuEPO treatment. The medium period of response was 6,5 weeks. In two patients the doses of r-HuEPO could be reduced due to excellent effect of therapy. The energy level, ability to daily activities and overall quality of life significantly improved during the course of therapy. Neither effect of growth factor on thrombopoiesis and/or leukopoiesis nor serious adverse events due to r-HuEPO therapy were observed. The activity of underlying disease did not seem to be affected by r-HuEPO. In one patient the disease rapidly progressed after the end of study. The progression had some features of plasmablastic leukemia and leads to the death of patient.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our experience, r-HuEPO is highly effective in the treatment of anemia in MM. The stimulation of erythropoiesis was associated with significant improvement of quality of life of patients. The effect of r-HuEPO treatment on activity of MM was not found, however, in one patient rapid progression of disease was observed after the end of study.