Effects of epoetin-alpha on quality of life of cancer patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Erythropoietin corrects and prevents anemia and decreases the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions; its impact on quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy is not clear.

Patients and methods: 399 patients with solid tumors and Hb level of < or = 12 g/dl receiving chemotherapy were randomized to receive or not 10,000 IU epoetin-alpha thrice weekly. QOL was measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An) scale and various subscales at baseline, at two months and at the end of the study.

Results: Changes in the average QOL scores were similar in the two groups. The improvement in Hb levels was significantly higher for the epoetin-alpha group, with a decrease in transfusion requirements compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Epoetin-alpha does not improve QOL of patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy as assessed using FACT-An scale and various subscales, despite improving Hb levels and reducing transfusion requirements.