Impact of erythropoietin on the reduction of blood transfusions and on survival of lung cancer patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION

Anaemia is a common problem in patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy and is normally associated with a negative impact on patients' quality of life (QOL), poor cancer control and diminished survival. In clinical trials, recombinant human erythropoietin has been shown to correct and prevent anaemia, decrease the need for blood transfusions and improve cancer patients' QOL.

METHODS

A retrospective study followed lung cancer patients who received first-line chemotherapy in our hospital in 1998 and in 2005. The incidence of anaemia was analysed, as was the impact of incorporating erythropoietin into the treatment.

RESULTS

The incidence of anaemia was 68% (69% of which reported asthenia) in 1998 vs. 54% (60% with asthenia) in 2005. The comparison of anaemia rates (1998 vs. 2005) were grade 1 (16% vs. 32%), grade 2 (36% vs. 16%), grade 3 (16% vs. 5%) and grade 4 (none). Treatment for anaemia included transfusion 52%, intravenous iron 5% and epoetin 4% in 1998. In 2005 anaemia was treated with transfusion 9%, intravenous iron 41%, and epoetin 49%. Median survival (1998 vs. 2005) was 242 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 217-329) vs. 356 days (95% CI 322-382).

CONCLUSIONS

Erythropoietin is a valid alternative for cancer patients with anaemia undergoing chemotherapy. It can possibly avoid the need for transfusions without negatively impacting survival.