A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Once-Weekly Epoetin Alfa 80,000 U in Anemic Patients with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

Epoetin alfa at a starting dose of 80,000 U once weekly (with appropriate dose reductions) increased Hb level, was associated with a packed red blood cell transfusion rate > 5% after 4 weeks of therapy, and was safe and generally well tolerated in anemic patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. The hematologic RR, however, was not markedly improved compared with previous trials with 40,000-60,000 U once weekly, perhaps partly because of the high frequency of dose reductions.