Optimized pro-active management of anemia by Epoetin alpha in pre-operative chemotherapy for primary breast cancer.

Abstract

This prospective study quantifies the response of hemoglobin and other blood factors to Epoetin alpha (EPO) administration in the course of pre-operative chemotherapy in breast cancer. Blood count time series were analyzed in 38 primary breast cancer patients with/without EPO during the course of pre-operative chemotherapy with epirubicin and paclitaxel. EPO injections improved blood counts in 'anemic' patients (< or =12.0 g/dl) receiving chemotherapy, but had little effect when administered to patients with higher hemoglobin concentrations. On the average, without chemotherapy, hemoglobin concentrations drifted toward about 11.1 g/dl without EPO but could be maintained at near 12.0 g/dl with EPO. In conclusion, there is potential for improved anemia management using EPO during pre-operative chemotherapy, which not only benefits quality of life but could also influence long-term survival in breast cancer through improved tumor oxygenation.

• Authors: Mathias Warm, Ronald Kates, Michelle Dick, Anke Thomas, Peter Mallmann, Markus Hoopmann, Nadia Harbeck
• Journal: Oncology reports (Oncol Rep) Vol. 21 Issue 3 Pg. 777-85 (Mar 2009) ISSN: 1021-335X [Print] Greece
• PMID: 19212639 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hematinics
• Recombinant Proteins
• Erythropoietin
• Epirubicin
• Epoetin Alfa
• Paclitaxel

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anemia (chemically induced, prevention & control)
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (adverse effects)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Epirubicin (adverse effects)
• Epoetin Alfa
• Erythropoietin (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Hematinics (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Neoadjuvant Therapy
• Paclitaxel (adverse effects)
• Recombinant Proteins