Abstract
A controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the use of epoetin alfa in cachectic patients with solid tumors who were not receiving chemotherapy to determine if increasing hemoglobin (Hb) resulted in increased exercise capacity, metabolism, and energy efficiency during a maximum work load. The randomized, prospective study included 108 patients who received oral indomethacin 50 mg twice daily (n = 58; control group), or oral indomethacin 50 mg twice daily with epoetin alfa 4,000 to 10,000 IU by subcutaneous injection 3 times weekly (n = 50; study group). Patients randomized to the study group received epoetin alfa only when Hb decreased below 12.8 g/dL for men and 12.0 g/dL for women. Mean Hb levels in the study group were significantly ( P < .0001) improved overall compared with the control group, with significant differences seen between groups after 2 to 4 months ( P < .003), 6 to 8 months ( P < .01), and 10 to 30 months ( P < .01). Mean inflammatory variables including serum albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein were significantly ( P <.02) changed in the study group compared with the control group (ie, the control group had more inflammation). Significantly lower mean body weight ( P < .05) and resting energy expenditure ( P < .007) were recorded for patients in the control group versus the study group. The study group showed significantly greater mean exercise capacity ( P < .0001), mean oxygen uptake ( P < .01), mean CO 2 production ( P < .009), and respiration ( P < .03). These results demonstrate that early use of epoetin alfa prevents anemia in patients with progressive cancer who are not receiving chemotherapy. Normalization of Hb levels resulted in improved whole-body metabolism and energy efficiency, which is associated with greater exercise capacity and better daily quality of life. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 8):69-74. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
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