Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0278488 (metastatic breast cancer)
 7,812 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Erythropoietin is an effective treatment for anemia in patients with various types of cancers, but few studies have evaluated the benefit of treatment in advanced breast cancer. In this multicenter study, we investigated the influence of two different doses of epoetin-beta on the level of hemoglobin, the need for blood transfusion, quality of life and safety aspects in patients with metastatic breast cancer. A total of 180 patients were randomized to receive either 1000 IE or 5000 IE epoetin-beta subcutaneously three times per week for 24 weeks. An increase of 20 g/L was defined as a positive hemoglobin response. Blood transfusions were given, if clinically indicated. Additional laboratory values and adverse events were recorded. Quality of life was measured with the aid of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Hemoglobin levels increased significantly in both groups. In the high-dose group, the initial mean Hb value was 98 g/L (64-110), which increased to 121 g/L (83-165) by week 24. In the low-dose group, the mean Hb value was 99 g/L (77-110.5) and by week 24 it was 116 g/L (81-144). The majority of patients who responded to treatment did so during the first four weeks. After 4 weeks, 7 patients in the low-dose group and 24 patients in the high-dose group had increased their Hb values by more than 20 g/L. The need for transfusion was low and did not differ between the groups. Quality of life was significantly enhanced in both groups, and there was no difference in the global quality of life between the two study arms. Epoetin-beta is a well-tolerated, safe and effective treatment of anemia in patients with metastatic breast cancer. There were significant improvements in Hb levels and quality of life in both groups.
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PMID:Erythropoietin treatment in metastatic breast cancer--effects on Hb, quality of life and need for transfusion. 1254 24

Epoetin represents the standard of care in the management of cancer therapy-related anaemia, increasing haemoglobin levels, reducing transfusion need and improving patient quality of life (QoL). Recent research aimed at improving convenience and ease of use has involved all epoetins. In particular, it has confirmed that epoetin beta 30,000 IU once weekly is equally effective as the conventional 10,000 IU three-times weekly regimen in alleviating cancer-related anaemia. Ongoing research aimed at improving still further the effectiveness of epoetins in anaemia treatment is examining the role of concomitant intravenous iron during epoetin beta therapy. With the recent debate over whether epoetin therapy has an effect on treatment outcome and survival, well-designed trials specifically powered to assess survival are required. The BReast cancer-Anaemia and the Value of Erythropoietin (BRAVE) trial is such a study, assessing the impact of epoetin beta on survival and QoL of patients with metastatic breast cancer scheduled to receive anthracycline- and/or taxane-based chemotherapy. The findings of such studies are expected to lead to a greater understanding of the optimal use of epoetins in cancer-related anaemia.
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PMID:Evolving treatment strategies for anaemia in cancer: experience with epoetin beta. 1548 49