Optimising the response to epoetin beta for the treatment of cancer-related anaemia

Abstract

ABSTRACTEpoetin beta is effective in treating anaemia associated with solid and haematological malignancies, improving haematopoietic response and quality of life, and reducing the need for transfusions, regardless of chemotherapy type. A rapid haemoglobin response to epoetin beta typically occurs within 3–4 weeks of initiating treatment. However, some patients remain untreated or do not respond to treatment. Anaemia therapy can be optimised by improving compliance. Epoetin beta given once weekly is as effective as three times weekly dosing in treating anaemia associated with several types of cancer. Reduced frequency of dosing can improve patient compliance, and reduce costs of healthcare and lost productivity of patients and carers. The response to epoetin beta can also be improved in many cases by the addition of adjuvant intravenous iron to erythropoietic therapy, especially in patients with functional iron deficiency. New means of predicting and monitoring patients who require adjuvant iron have been developed which have potential benefits for the optimisation and tailoring of erythropoietic therapy. Anaemia therapy can be further optimised by early treatment with epoetin beta, which is more effective than when treatment is delayed.