Effects of epoetin-alpha on quality of life of cancer patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy.
| Τίτλος | Effects of epoetin-alpha on quality of life of cancer patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2009 |
| Authors | Christodoulou, C., Dafni U., Aravantinos G., Koutras A., Samantas E., Karina M., Janinis J., Papakostas P., Skarlos D., Kalofonos H. P., & Fountzilas G. |
| Journal | Anticancer Res |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pagination | 693-702 |
| Date Published | 2009 Feb |
| ISSN | 0250-7005 |
| Λέξεις κλειδιά | Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anemia, Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols, Blood Transfusion, Erythropoietin, Female, Hemoglobins, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Organoplatinum Compounds, Quality of Life, Recombinant Proteins, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult |
| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Erythropoietin corrects and prevents anemia and decreases the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions; its impact on quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy is not clear.PATIENTS AND METHODS: 399 patients with solid tumors and Hb level of < or = 12 g/dl receiving chemotherapy were randomized to receive or not 10,000 IU epoetin-alpha thrice weekly. QOL was measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An) scale and various subscales at baseline, at two months and at the end of the study.RESULTS: Changes in the average QOL scores were similar in the two groups. The improvement in Hb levels was significantly higher for the epoetin-alpha group, with a decrease in transfusion requirements compared to the control group.CONCLUSION: Epoetin-alpha does not improve QOL of patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy as assessed using FACT-An scale and various subscales, despite improving Hb levels and reducing transfusion requirements. |
| Alternate Journal | Anticancer Res. |
| PubMed ID | 19331224 |
