Clinical and in vitro effects of recombinant human erythropoietin in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract

r-Hu-EPO at a dose of either 150 or 300 IU/kg three times weekly delays the onset of anemia and reduces RBC transfusion requirements in patients who undergo intensive chemotherapy for SCLC. A possible effect of r-Hu-EPO on platelet numbers deserves further study.