Anemia in patients with midgut carcinoid, treated with alpha interferon: effects by erythropoietin treatment on the perceived quality of life

Abstract

One important side effect from alpha interferon is depression of bone marrow function and studies have shown that patients with carcinoid tumours treated with alpha interferon suffers from fatigue and impaired physical functions. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) could have a positive effect on self-rated quality of life (QoL). Eighteen patients with midgut carcinoid treated with alpha interferon were included in the study. There were statistical significant increases in haemoglobin (Hb) levels between baseline and 4 months, between baseline and 8 months as well as between baseline and 2-year follow-up. No EPO related side effects were reported. There were improvements of more than 10 points in self-rated QoL-issues related to anaemia. Even though the analysis did not reveal any statistically significant relation between the observed increase in Hb levels and self-rated QoL, this pilot study has increased the knowledge about benefits, doses and frequency of EPO treatment in patients with midgut carcinoid suffering from interferon related anaemia.