Erythropoietin for patients undergoing radiotherapy: a pilot study

Background and purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using r ecombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) to correct decreased hemoglobin lev els in patients undergoing radiotherapy and to get an estimate of its influ ence on the efficacy of radiotherapy. Materials and methods: Fifty patients with cancer of the head and neck and the pelvis were randomized before radiotherapy to different rhEPO treatment s (none, 3 X 150 U/kg per week i.v., 3 x 300 U/kg per week i.v. and 3 x 150 U/kg per week s.c.). Hematological parameters were evaluated weekly and th e locoregional tumor control rates were determined in 38 patients with head and neck cancer. Results: rhEPO-treated patients showed a significant increase in their hemo globin values (0.7 g/100 ml per week). The rhEPO response was comparable fo r patients with cancer of the head and neck and the pelvis. A delayed recov ery was seen when iron deficiency or impaired iron mobilization was present . No serious toxicity was observed. Locoregional tumor control was improved , although not statistically significantly, in those head and neck cancer p atients who experienced a rapid rise of hemoglobin. Conclusions: Low hemoglobin levels can be safely and quickly corrected with rhEPO. This may improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.