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Erythropoietin Increases Mortality, VTE Risks in Cancer Patients
Treatment of cancer-associated anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents is associated with increased risks for death and venous thromboembolism, according to meta-analyses published in JAMA.
To assess mortality risk, researchers pooled data from 51 phase-3 randomized trials involving nearly 14,000 patients with cancer. Overall, patients given erythropoietin or darbepoetin had a 10% increased risk for mortality relative to controls.
Data on VTE were available from 38 trials involving more than 8000 patients. Again, those receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were at significantly increased risk (relative risk, 1.57).
The authors highlight the relevance of their findings, "given the prevalence of [erythropoiesis-stimulating agent] use as a supportive care drug among patients with cancer." They note that an FDA advisory committee will meet in March to review the safety concerns associated with this drug class.
LINK(S):
JAMA article (Free abstract; full text requires subscription)
New York Times story (One-time registration required)
Previous Physician's First Watch coverage of FDA warning about erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (Free)
Published in Physician's First Watch February 27, 2008
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