The oncologist
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Early Intervention with epoetin alfa during platinum-based chemotherapy: an analysis of quality-of-life results of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial compared with population normative data.
To evaluate the effect of epoetin alfa on quality of life (QOL) in patients with solid tumors and mild-to-moderate anemia receiving platinum-based chemotherapy relative to population norms. ⋯ Patients in this study had impaired QOL compared with population norms. Early treatment with epoetin alfa to correct anemia improved QOL in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful way, and improvements were greater in patients with baseline Hb levels >10.5 g/dl.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Early intervention with epoetin alfa during platinum-based chemotherapy: an analysis of the results of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial based on initial hemoglobin level.
This analysis of the results of a randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effects of epoetin alfa (EPO) therapy on transfusion requirements, hemoglobin (Hb), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy was conducted to evaluate the effect of initial Hb level on study outcomes. ⋯ In patients with cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy and with baseline Hb levels >10.5 g/dl, early intervention with EPO reduces transfusions, maintains Hb level, and maintains or improves QOL. This study supports the positive effects of early intervention when analyzed according to initial Hb value.