Abstract
Recipients of bone marrow (BMT) or peripheral blood progenitor stem cells (PBSCT) transplant have in the period following transplantation a frequent need for red blood cell transfusions and therefore an increased risk of blood-transmitted infections. The anaemia is caused mainly by myelosuppression after high-dose chemotherapy, but an impaired erythropoietin (EPO) production and an inappropriate EPO response may also contribute. Since recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) has been established as a treatment for renal anaemia it has been of interest whether treatment may be of benefit in the transplant setting. This paper gives an overview of the studies conducted to date with rHuEPO treatment in patients receiving bone marrow transplants. Current data do not support any transfusional benefits when rHuEPO is used in patients receiving autologous transplants. However, in patients receiving allogeneic transplants several studies clearly indicate a therapeutic role for rHuEPO with patients showing accelerated erythroid engraftment, increased haemoglobin levels, a reduced requirement for red blood cell transfusions, and a shortened time to transfusion independence. Especially patients with immune haemolysis after transplantation seems to benefit from the treatment. In addition, rHuEPO treatment has been used for late-onset anaemia after BMT and to prevent the need for homologous red blood cell transfusions to the BMT donor. To reduce costs, it is important in future studies to identify not only the optimal dose and route of administration of rHuEPO but also the most effective combination with other haematopoietic growth factors and cytokines that are used before and after transplantation.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
