Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents: Favorable safety profile when used as indicated

Mohammad R. Nowrousian, Jürgen Dunst, Peter Vaupel*

*Corresponding author for this work
28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Several studies with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have raised a number of safety issues. Therefore, a discussion of available data in light of the current EORTC guidelines 2006 on the use of ESAs in anemic patients is warranted. Methods: Literature is reviewed with respect to experimental and clinical data on the effect of ESA therapy on tumor growth both in the preclinical setting and on patient survival. Results: Studies showing an adverse effect of ESA therapy on patient survival generally exhibit considerable methodological deficiencies. Moreover, they investigated treatment situations for which ESAs are not approved and/or did not involve recommended baseline ("intervention") or target hemoglobin levels. Conclusion: When used as indicated, ESAs are valuable and safe drugs for the treatment of anemia and do not negatively affect patient survival. In particular, the data situation confirms the importance and correctness of the EORTC guidelines 2006 and their recently updated version. It is therefore recommended that these guidelines continue to be strictly followed in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia.

Original languageEnglish
JournalStrahlentherapie und Onkologie
Volume184
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)121-136
Number of pages16
ISSN0179-7158
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03.2008

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