In:
The Oncologist, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 10, No. 8 ( 2005-09-01), p. 642-650
Abstract:
This is the first randomized, open-label, multicenter trial designed and powered to directly compare the hemoglobin (Hb) response to epoetin alfa (EPO), 40,000 U once weekly (QW), with that to darbepoetin alfa (DARB), 200 μ g every 2 weeks (Q2W), in anemic patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy (CT). Transfusion requirements, quality of life (QOL), and safety also were evaluated. Adults with solid tumors scheduled to receive CT for ≥12 weeks and with baseline Hb ≤11 g/dl were randomized to receive either EPO 40,000 U QW (n = 178) or DARB 200 μg Q2W (n = 180) s.c. for up to 16 weeks. Doses were increased for nonresponders (Hb increase & lt;1 g/dl) after 4 (EPO) or 6 (DARB) weeks, as per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, and were reduced for a rapid rise in Hb ( & gt;1.3 g/dl [EPO] or & gt;1.0 g/dl [DARB] within any 2-week period) or for an Hb level & gt;13 g/dl. The proportion of patients achieving a ≥1-g/dl Hb rise by week 5, the primary end point, was significantly higher with EPO (47.0%) than with DARB (32.5%), and EPO-treated patients achieved a ≥1-g/dl Hb increase significantly earlier than those receiving DARB (median, 35 days versus 46 days). The mean increase in Hb from baseline was significantly higher at weeks 5, 9, 13, and the end of the study with EPO than with DARB. The number of units transfused per patient was significantly lower for the EPO group than for the DARB group. The proportions of patients requiring transfusions, mean QOL improvements, and tolerability profiles were similar in the two groups.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1083-7159
,
1549-490X
DOI:
10.1634/theoncologist.10-8-642
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2005
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2023829-0
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