Comparative Effectiveness of Epoetin and Darbepoetin for Managing Anemia in Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment. Comparative Effectiveness Review Number 3

摘要

Anemia (deficiency of red blood cells) occurs in 13-78 percent of patients undergoing treatment for solid tumors and 30-40 percent of patients treated for lymphoma. Tumor type, treatment regimen, and history of prior cancer therapy influence the risk and severity of anemia. For example, among patients with solid tumors, the frequency of anemia severe enough to require red blood cell transfusion is highest for those with lung, gynecologic, and genitourinary tumors. This report focuses on use of epoetin or darbepoetin to manage anemia in patients undergoing cancer treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation.