Erythropoietin and radiotherapy in lung cancer patients

YÜRÜT ÇALOĞLU V., Haydaroglu A., Ozkok S., Yalman D., Bolukbasi Y.

Journal of B.U.ON., cilt.14, sa.3, ss.519-521, 2009 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2009
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of B.U.ON.
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.519-521
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Hemoglobin, Lung cancer, Radiotherapy, rhEPO
  • Trakya Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in relation to low hemoglobin (Hb) level, overall tumor response rates, and rhEPO adverse events in patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Patients and methods: Thirteen consecutive patients were included. All of them had measurable tumor before RT. 150 IU/kg of rhEPO-α or -β were administered 3 times per week, 7-10 days before RT The target Hb value was 13 g/dl. Tumor response was assessed 6 weeks after completion of RT. Results: Response to rhEPO was seen 62% (n=8) of the patients. Weekly mean Hb increment was 0.69 g/dl (range 0.42-1). The mean Hb value during RT was 13.2 g/dl (range 9-14.7) in responding patients, and 10.7 g/dl (range 9.7-11.8) in non-responding patients (p=0.005). Overall response rates to RT were significantly higher in responding than in non-responding patients (p=0.034). Conclusion: rhEPO increased Hb levels in lung cancer patients undergoing RT. However, safety, and more importantly, indications need further clarifications. © 2009 Zerbinis Medical Publications.