EORTC guidelines for the use of erythropoietic proteins in anaemic patients with cancer: 2006 update

The cost-effectiveness of treatment with erythropoietin compared to red blood cell transfusions for patients with chemotherapy induced anaemia: A Markov model

“…The difference is primarily explained by a lower treatment cost and a better effect of epoetin among patients in the initial Hb-interval of 9Á10 g/dl. In a systematic literature review to produce evidence-based guidelines on the use of erythropoietic proteins in anaemic patients with cancer, it was concluded that patients whose HB-level is below 9 g/dl should primarily be evaluated for need of RBCT, potentially followed by EPO treatment [5].…”

“…Thus, the response rate has been adjusted. There is lack of robust evidence of improved response by increasing the dose in non-responders [5], although studies indicate that the response rate may be increased by up to 12% in 8 weeks [17], and up to 17% in 12 weeks [18], by doubling the dose. We have assumed that by 8 weeks (two treatment cycles), the EPO response rate is 70% to EPO single dose, and when doubling the dose for nonresponders after 4 weeks (one treatment cycle) the response rate will be 80%.…”

“…The costs and effects of EPO treatment in different patient groups have been widely discussed since the early 1990s [5,7]. In a study by Remák et al [8], the change in cost-effectiveness of epoetin alfa treatment versus RBCTs for patients with renal failure in the UK between the years 1990 and 2000 was analysed.…”

“…As anaemia can lead to different symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, social isolation, respiratory distress and chest pain it diminishes physical capacity and quality of life. It is generally accepted that symptomatic anaemia should be corrected [5]. Anaemia treatment options include red blood cell transfusion (RBCT), erythropoietin (EPO) administration or a combination of both [1,6].…”

Management of Anemia in Cancer Patients: Transfusions

“…Most of them give a cutoff value of Hb Ͻ9 g/dL in asymptomatic patients, and depending on the complaints and cardiac problems, cutoff values may be lower (Table 2) [11][12][13][14].…”