Managing cancer-related anaemia in congruence with the EORTC guidelines is an independent predictor of haemoglobin outcome: Initial evidence from the RESPOND study

PurposeTo model the relationship between scores for practicing in congruence (CSs; 0–10) with EORTC guidelines for erythropoietic proteins (EPs) and haemoglobin (Hb) outcomes observed in the validation study of the RESPOND system.MethodsThirty four patient pairs matched on cancer type and chemotherapy in pre- (retrospective; clinicians not using RESPOND) and post-cohorts (prospective; clinicians using RESPOND) followed over 4 months following EP treatment initiation. CSs quantify the extent that care was guideline-adherent. Linear and logistic regressions controlling for cohort examined Hb outcomes as a function of CSs.ResultsA one-point increase in CS was associated with 0.60 g/dL increase in Hb at month 4 (R2 = 0.40) and 0.56 g/dL increase in Hb change from month 1–4 (R2 = 0.33). Each one-point increase in CS increased the odds of reaching Hb ⩾ 11 g/dL by 3.14 (R2 = 0.42) and Hb ⩾ 12 g/dL by 2.77 (R2 = 0.45).ConclusionGuideline-adherent EP treatment may improve Hb outcomes but specifically designed outcomes studies are necessary.