Efficacy and safety of biosimilar epoetin alpha in patients with chronic lymphoid neoplasms and chemotherapy‐induced anaemia: An observational, retrospective, monocentric analysis

摘要

Abstract Epoetin biosimilars are an alternative to originator erythropoietic agents in the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced anaemia; however, their effects in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders remain unclear. This analysis examined the response of patients with lymphoproliferative disorders experiencing chemotherapy‐induced anaemia to 4‐ or 8‐week treatment with the biosimilar epoetin alpha. Treatment was initiated at first occurrence of haemoglobin (Hb)??10?g/dL during chemotherapy and was stopped when Hb was 11?g/dL, when chemotherapy was completed, or in case of transfusion dependency. Response to epoetin alpha was defined as an increase in Hb of 1?g/dL or as an Hb??11?g/dL. Stability was defined as change in Hb of ±1?g/dL, and no response was indicated by a decrease in Hb of 1?g/dL or acquired transfusion dependence. Overall, 65 patients were enrolled (median age 69?years; 47.7%?≥?70?years old). Mean Hb levels at the initiation of epoetin alpha was 9.3?±?0.5?g/dL. Mean Hb levels reached 10.7?±?1.4 and 10.6?±?1.5?g/dL at weeks 4 and 8, respectively, in patients on first‐line chemotherapy and 11.4?±?1.6 and 9.7?±?1.3?g/dL in those on a second‐ or higher‐line regimen. Overall, 70.8% of patients responded, 26.1% had stable Hb, and 3.1% did not respond. Delays or interruption of any chemotherapy cycle due to anaemia occurred in 18 patients. The biosimilar epoetin alpha was well tolerated and allowed patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic lymphoproliferative disorders to continue their course of chemotherapy by effectively increasing and maintaining adequate concentrations of Hb.