8219 Early rise in hemoglobin (Hb) correlates with improvement in quality of life (QOL) in a phase II randomized trial of 3 loading doses of epoetin alfa followed by every three-week (q3w) dosing in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Background Weekly dosing of 40,000 IU epoetin alfa is an effective dose in increasing Hb, reducing transfusion and improving QOL. A loading dose to allow hb to reach 12 g/dL followed by q3w dosing was proven to be effective. Method & Results This study evaluates the effectiveness of three loading doses (30,000 IU 2X/wk, 40,000 IU 2X/wk and, 60,000 QW) given for 4 weeks followed by two different Q3W doses (80,000 IU or 120,000 IU) in maintaining Hb levels and improving QOL (Fact-F). At trial entry (week 0) patients were randomized to one of the three loading doses. An interim analysis after 18 patients enrolled showed ≥ 1 g/dL increase in Hb for all 3 groups (p=0.002) after 4 weeks of dosing and a trend towards significant improvement in QOL (p = 0.052). Patients also maintained their Hb levels after being switched to both q3w regimens for 12 weeks. QOL Data The FACT-F results at baseline (n=17), week 4 (n=16), and week 11 (n=6) were 27.4, 32.6, and 33.3 respectively. The FACT-F baseline to week 4 (n=16) and, baseline to week 11 analysis were 5.1 (p=0.051), and 3.5 respectively. Conclusion This preliminary look indicated that patients on epoetin alfa can be maintained with q3w dosing and significant increase in Hb and improvement in QOL was obtained at week 4 after treatment. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Ortho-Biotech, Ortho-Biotech Canada Ortho-Biotech Ortho-Biotech Canada