Clinical Evaluation of Once-Weekly Dosing of Epoetin Alfa in Chemotherapy Patients: Improvements in Hemoglobin and Quality of Life Are Similar to Three-Times-Weekly Dosing

Abstract

The results from this large, prospective, community-based trial suggest that once-weekly epoetin alfa therapy increases hemoglobin levels, decreases transfusion requirements, and improves quality of life in patients with cancer and anemia who undergo concomitant chemotherapy. Based on the results of this study, the clinical benefits and the adverse event profile of once-weekly epoetin alfa therapy in community-based practice are similar to those observed in the historical experience with the three-times-weekly dosage schedule.