Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents: Benefits/Risks in Supportive Care of Cancer

[摘要] Anemia in cancer patients is common often exacerbated by chemotherapy.Cancer patients who are anemic have been shown to have a blunted response of the production endogenous erythropoietin growth factor. This anemia can be corrected with exogenous erythropoietin growth factors of which there are three available world wide epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, and darbepoietin alfa.Collectively, these drugs are known as erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs).Besides reversing anemia to avoid blood transfusion, ESAs have been ordered to improve quality of life.Guidelines have been developed for initiation, dosage titration and termination.Trials have been conducted in the last decade using ESAs at unapproved dosing or guidelines.With this, several safety concerns have been raised.Risks and benefits of ESAs will be explored.

[学科分类] 肿瘤学