Efficacy of epoetin beta on hemoglobin, quality of life, and transfusion needs in patients with anemia due to hormone-refractory prostate cancer - A randomized study

Objective: Erythropoietin is shown to be an effective treatment for anemia in various types of cancers, however only limited studies have evaluated it s benefits in advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). This mult i-center study investigated the influence of 2 different doses of epoetin b eta on quality of life, hemoglobin level, need for blood transfusion, and s afety, in the treatment of anemia in patients with metastatic HRPC. Materials and methods: This study randomized 180 patients to receive either epoetin beta 1000 IU or 5000 IU subcutaneously 3 times per week for 12 wee ks. Hemoglobin was evaluated at study start and 6 time-points during the st udy. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the European Organization for Re search and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire, QLC-C30, before treatment sta rt and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Best supportive care and blood tr ansfusions were given, if clinically indicated. Additional laboratory value s and adverse events were followed for safety. Results: Hemoglobin increased significantly (> 20 g/l) in 43% in the high d ose (HD) group and 25% in the low dose (LD) group in response to treatment. Levels were significantly higher in the III group than the LD group (p < 0 .001) after 8 and 12 weeks. QoL improved significantly if the increase in h emoglobin was > 20 g/l. Significantly more patients in the LD group receive d blood transfusions than the HID group (p < 0.005). There were no differen ces between the groups regarding overall quality of life and fatigue. The t reatment was well tolerated in both groups. Conclusions: Epoetin beta is shown to be safe and effective for the treatme nt of anemia in many patients with HRPC. It is found to improve QoL and phy sical functioning, and relieve fatigue symptoms, in many of these criticall y ill patients.