Recombinant human erythropoietin in the anaemia of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Recombinant human erythropoietin has been recently introduced as an important alternative for treatment of anaemia in multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In the present paper we review the basis for its use in the anaemia of both entities, and the most relevant clinical trials showing the effect of erythropoietin. In MM patients the response rate (assessed by an increase of at least 2g/dl in the Hb level) ranges between 60%-80% while in NHL patients it ranges from 50% to 61%. The most appropriate EPO dose is around 5000 units per day, which is equivalent to 150 u/kg, three times per week. In addition, this review provides tools to decide the best candidates for this treatment and a guideline to monitor its efficacy.