Efficacy of a single, weekly dose of recombinant erythropoietin in myelodysplastic syndromes.

Abstract

Thirteen patients with low-to-intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) received recombinant erythropoietin (r-EPO) at the single, weekly dose of 40.000 U for at least 8 weeks. Five patients (38.4%) achieved a major erythroid response (increased haemoglobin levels > 2 g/dl and/or transfusion independence), which is currently maintained after 3-11 months, without modification of r-EPO dose. This study suggests that 40.000 U r-EPO given once a week may be at least as effective as the more frequent (daily or three times a week) administrations of the drug usually employed in MDS patients.

• Authors: Pellegrino Musto, Antonietta Falcone, Grazia Sanpaolo, Carlo Bodenizza, Antonio La Sala, Gianni Perla, Angelo Michele Carella
• Journal: British journal of haematology (Br J Haematol) Vol. 122 Issue 2 Pg. 269-71 (Jul 2003) ISSN: 0007-1048 [Print] England
• PMID: 12846896 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Recombinant Proteins
• Erythropoietin

Topics

• Aged
• Blood Transfusion
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Erythropoietin (blood, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes (drug therapy, therapy)
• Recombinant Proteins
• Treatment Outcome