In a nutshell
This paper studied the safety and effectiveness of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Some background
Chemotherapy can lead to side effects such as anemia (low red blood cell levels). Anemia causes fatigue and shortness of breath. Treatment for anemia includes red blood cell transfusions and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are a group of drugs that can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life, including Epo, Procrit and Epogen. The effect of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents on breast cancer survival has not been well studied.
Methods & findings
The authors reviewed studies of patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Between 0-14% of patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents had blood transfusions. Up to 28% of patients not receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents had blood transfusions.
Studies reported that 24% of patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents died, while 22% of patients not receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents died. Patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were 12% more at risk of death.
The authors also studied the progress of cancer. There was no increased risk of cancer worsening in patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents compared to those not receiving it.
3 studies found that patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents had a better quality of life. However, 3 studies found no difference in quality of life whether or not patients received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
The authors also reviewed safety by looking at thromboembolic events (when a clump of blood breaks loose and obstructs another blood vessel). A few studies found that thromboembolic events were more common amongst patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. However, one study reported no thromboembolic events occurring.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents have no significant effect on overall survival, and therefore are safe to use alongside chemotherapy.
Published By :
Annals of oncology
Date :
Dec 26, 2014
