Optimized pro-active management of anemia by Epoetin α in pre-operative chemotherapy for primary breast cancer
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- Published online on: March 1, 2009 https://doi.org/10.3892/or_00000284
- Pages: 777-785
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Abstract
This prospective study quantifies the response of hemoglobin and other blood factors to Epoetin α (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 (≤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.
