Is epoetin alfa a treatment option for chemotherapy-related anemia in children?
Author(s): Buyukpamukcu M, Varan A, Kutluk T, Akyuz C Affiliation(s): Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hacettepe University Institute of Oncology, Ankara, Turkey. mpamukcu@hacettepe.edu.tr Publication date & source: 2002-10, Med Pediatr Oncol., 39(4):455-8. Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of epoetin alfa in ameliorating cancer- or chemotherapy-related anemia and reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements have been demonstrated in numerous trials in adult patients. However, limited information is available about recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa) as a treatment option in pediatric cancer patients. PROCEDURE: To gain more information about the efficacy and safety of epoetin alfa in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in children with solid tumors receiving either platinum- or nonplatinum-containing chemotherapy, an 8-week randomized trial was conducted. Epoetin alfa 150 IU/kg was
