Use of Biosimilar Epoetin to Increase Hemoglobin Levels in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia: Real-Life Clinical Experience

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of a biosimilar erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (Binocrit) for the treatment of patients with cancer and chemotherapy-induced anemia in real-life clinical practice. Data were collected retrospectively from patients at five European centers (in France, Italy, The Netherlands, Romania and Spain) who received treatment with Binocrit. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were recorded at regular intervals during Binocrit therapy for up to 26 weeks. Hb response (an increase of ≥ 1 g/dl in 4 weeks or a Hb level in the range 10-12 g/dl during the study) was assessed in patients with a Hb level ≥ 8.5 g/dl at the start of therapy who received treatment for at least 6 weeks. Hb response rates in patients who did and did not receive intravenous (iv.) iron were also assessed, and data on any serious unexpected adverse events were collected. Among evaluable patients (n = 113), 79% achieved a Hb response. Response rates were similar among evaluable patients who received an initial Binocrit dose of 30,000 or 40,000 IU/week (81 vs 78%; p = not significant). The Hb response rate was significantly greater in patients who received iv. iron than in patients who did not receive iv. iron (93 vs 77%; p < 0.05). No serious unexpected adverse events were reported. Use of the biosimilar erythropoiesis-stimulating agent Binocrit is effective and safe for the treatment of patients with cancer and chemotherapy-induced anemia. Supplementation with iv. iron increases the response rate compared with oral or no iron supplementation.