Recombinant human erythropoietin-α in the treatment of malignant solid cancer-related anemia: A multicenter clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of short-course treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin-α (EPO-α) at high dose for malignant solid cancer-related anemia and its influence on the life quality of cancer patients with anemia. Methods: This prospective, multicenter clinical trial enrolled 121 patients with malignant cancer-related anemia. All the patients were administered EPO-α subcutaneously at 20 ku on d 1 and 2 and 10 ku from d 3 to d 10. Anemia status of patients and safety of therapeutical regimen were observed before and after EPO-α therapy. FACT-An Table was used to evaluate the quality of life of anemia patients before and after EPO-α therapy. Results: Subcutaneous administration of EPO-α at 20 ku on d 1 and 2 and 10 ku from d 3 to d 10 increased the plasma Hb level and improved the life qualities of anemia patients. EPO-α was well tolerated and no intolerable adverse event was observed during the clinical trial. Conclusion: Short-course treatment with EPO-α at high dose effectively can increase plasma Hb levels and improved life qualities of patients with cancer-related anemia.