This open-label, prospective study was conducted to compare the impact of epoetin b vs standard care on quality of life (QoL) in anaemic patients with lymphoid or solid tumour malignancies. A total of 262 anaemic patients (haemoglobin [Hb]p11 g dl À1 ) were randomised to a 12-week treatment with s.c. epoetin b (initial dose 150 IU kg À1 three times weekly) or standard care. Transfusions were recommended for both groups at an Hb threshold of 8.5 g dl À1 . The primary efficacy variables were improvement in QoL as measured using the Short-Form-36 physical component summary (SF-36 PCS) score and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy fatigue and anaemia subscales (FACT-F and FACT-An). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was also used as a global QoL measure. Clinical response was defined as a X2 g dl À1 increase in Hb level without need of transfusion after the initial 4 weeks of treatment. Baseline to final visit changes in SF-36 PCS, FACT-F and VAS scores were significantly greater with epoetin b than with standard care (Po0.05); changes in FACT-An subscale score tended to be greater with epoetin b (P ¼ 0.076). Epoetin b significantly increased Hb concentrations relative to standard care (responders: 47% vs 13%; Po0.001). Levels of endogenous erythropoietin o50 mIU ml À1 were significantly predictive of response (OR 2.496, 95% CI: 1.21 -5.13). Epoetin b therapy significantly improves QoL compared with standard care in anaemic patients with solid tumours and lymphoid malignancies.
Randomized trials investigating the efficacy of adjuvant treatment in patients with FIGO stage I epithelial ovarian cancer should also include stratification by preoperative CA 125 levels.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.