losartan-potassium and Lymphoma--Non-Hodgkin

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Small Cell; Clinical Protocols; Darbepoetin alfa; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Erythropoietin; Female; Filgrastim; Follow-Up Studies; Graft vs Host Disease; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Granulocytes; Hematinics; Hematologic Neoplasms; Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphoma; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Neoplasms; Neutropenia; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Polycythemia Vera; Polyethylene Glycols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins; Research Design; Survival Analysis; Thrombocythemia, Essential; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Anemia; Autoimmune Diseases; Cell Hypoxia; Disease-Free Survival; Double-Blind Method; Erythropoietin; Heart Failure; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Multiple Myeloma; Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins

Anemia is a common complication in patients with hematologic malignancies, and is caused by a variety of mechanisms, including neoplastic cell infiltration into the bone marrow, hemolysis, nutritional deficiencies, and defects in erythropoiesis as a result of the disease itself or cytotoxic therapy. The anemia associated with multiple myeloma is caused by inadequate erythropoietin levels consequent to renal impairment and the effect of inflammatory cytokines. The degree of anemia can have prognostic importance, as is the case with multiple myeloma, or be a significant indicator of disease stage, as noted with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Anemia results in fatigue, exhaustion, dizziness, headache, dyspnea, and decreased motivation, seriously affecting a patient's quality of life. Since anemia is so prevalent in hematologic malignancy patients, its treatment must be an integral part of disease management, to improve quality of life and to possibly increase potential survival. Clinical studies have shown that effectively treating anemia and increasing hemoglobin levels using recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa) has a significant effect on transfusion requirements and quality of life.

Topics: Anemia; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematinics; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Multiple Myeloma; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Prognosis; Quality of Life; Recombinant Proteins; Survival Rate

Recombinant human erythropoietin has been recently introduced as an important alternative for treatment of anaemia in multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In the present paper we review the basis for its use in the anaemia of both entities, and the most relevant clinical trials showing the effect of erythropoietin. In MM patients the response rate (assessed by an increase of at least 2g/dl in the Hb level) ranges between 60%-80% while in NHL patients it ranges from 50% to 61%. The most appropriate EPO dose is around 5000 units per day, which is equivalent to 150 u/kg, three times per week. In addition, this review provides tools to decide the best candidates for this treatment and a guideline to monitor its efficacy.

Topics: Anemia; Clinical Trials as Topic; Erythropoietin; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Multiple Myeloma; Recombinant Proteins

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with multiple defects in immune regulation and hematopoiesis. These defects include decreased proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and increased destruction of mature cells. There are also disturbances of regulatory cytokines. As a result, hematopoietic cytopenias are common and the tolerance of myelosuppressive therapy is poor. One successful approach to the management of these clinical problems is the use of hematopoietic growth factors. To date, three agents have been studied in patients with HIV infection. In a Phase I trial, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) corrected leukopenia and pre-existing neutrophil defects in patients with HIV infection. In uncontrolled trials, GM-CSF also appears to reduce toxicity from zidovudine, ganciclovir, alpha-interferon, and antineoplastic therapy. In a placebo-controlled trial, erythropoietin (EPO) decreased transfusion requirements and corrected anemia in the majority of patients receiving zidovudine. In a Phase I/II trial, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) also corrected leukopenia and neutrophil defects in patients with AIDS without altering HIV expression. Combined G-CSF and EPO treatment corrected both anemia and leukopenia and reduced zidovudine toxicity. New combinations of hematopoietic stimulants are being used to decrease the toxicity from cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of AIDS-related malignancies. Future treatments with other recombinant cytokines may result in both reduction in myelosuppression from drug therapy and, possibly, reconstitution of the immune and hematopoietic systems of HIV-infected patients.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Bone Marrow; Erythropoietin; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Zidovudine

Three hematopoietic stimulants have been used in patients with HIV infection and a variety of AIDS-related complications. Both G-CSF and GM-CSF have demonstrated the ability to correct leukopenia related to HIV infection and ameliorate the drug-related myelosuppressive effects of zidovudine, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ganciclovir, and, in the case of GM-CSF, alpha-interferon, and cancer chemotherapies. Erythropoietin has been successfully used to ameliorate the anemia associated with HIV infection and zidovudine therapy. Treatment with these hematopoietic stimulants is very well tolerated with minimal toxicity. Of the granulocyte stimulants, G-CSF appears to induce fewer side effects than GM-CSF in trials conducted to date. Future trials demonstrating that the amelioration of hematopoietic suppression by the colony-stimulating factors results in increased clinical response rates and improved survival are necessary to fully assess the value of this approach in the care of HIV-infected patients.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Drug Therapy, Combination; Erythropoietin; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors; HIV Infections; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Zidovudine

Oral mucositis (OM) as a complication of high-dose chemotherapy is frequently occurred in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) settings. Erythropoietin (EPO) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and wound-healing properties and therefore could have an important role in the prevention of OM. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the EPO mouthwash effect on OM incidence and severity in 80 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin disease (HD) or multiple myeloma, undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Patients received either EPO mouthwash (50 IU/ml, 15 ml four times a day) (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) from the starting day of high-dose chemotherapy until day +14 after transplantation or until the day of discharge from the hospital, whichever occurred first. OM was evaluated daily for 21 days after transplantation or until resolution of OM according to World Health Organization oral toxicity scale. The incidence of OM (grades 1-4) in the EPO mouthwash group and control group was significantly different (27.5% vs 77.5%, p < 0.001). The mean ± SD of two other parameters of OM including maximum intensity OM score (0.60 ± 1.06 vs 1.67 ± 1.27) and average intensity OM score (0.47 ± 0.80 vs 1.28 ± 0.86) was significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Moreover, the mean ± SD duration of OM was also significantly shorter among the EPO mouthwash recipients (1.92 ± 3.42 days vs 5.42 ± 3.86 days, P < 0.001). Also, the duration of neutropenic fever was significantly shorter in the intervention group (2.12 ± 2.42 days vs 3.95 ± 4.01 days, p = 0.016). It is concluded that EPO mouthwash can reduce the incidence and duration of OM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Mouthwashes; Multiple Myeloma; Stomatitis; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing

The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of recombinant erythropoietin-beta in the treatment of anemic patients with multiple myeloma (MM), low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). From December 2005 to November 2006, the patients with MM, low-grade NHL, and CLL were enrolled in this study, male or female, aged > or = 18 years, transfusion-dependant, and receiving anti-neoplasia chemotherapy. Recombinant human erythropoietin-beta was used in this study with the dose initiated at 150 IU/kg, thrice a week, subcutaneously. The total treatment duration was 12 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study is response rate (RR), which is defined as hemoglobin increasing > or = 2 g/dL comparing to baseline level, or returning to normal range, without any transfusion within 6 weeks of evaluation. Fifty out of 82 (64.6%) patients enrolled in this study responded to the treatment and 29 patients had no response. Hypertension (12.2%) is the most common adverse effect; however, all the adverse events were mild, categorized in NCI grade I or II. We conclude that recombinant erythropoietin-beta was effective in the treatment of anemia of the patients with MM, NHL, and CLL, as well as it is well-tolerated.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Asian People; Erythropoietin; Female; Ferritins; Humans; Iron; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Recombinant Proteins; Treatment Outcome

This randomized study assessed if intravenous iron improves hemoglobin (Hb) response and permits decreased epoetin dose in anemic (Hb 9-11 g/dl), transfusion-independent patients with stainable iron in the bone marrow and lymphoproliferative malignancies not receiving chemotherapy. Patients (n=67) were randomized to subcutaneous epoetin beta 30 000 IU once weekly for 16 weeks with or without concomitant intravenous iron supplementation. There was a significantly (P<0.05) greater increase in mean Hb from week 8 onwards in the iron group and the percentage of patients with Hb increase >or=2 g/dl was significantly higher in the iron group (93%) than in the no-iron group (53%) (per-protocol population; P=0.001). Higher serum ferritin and transferrin saturation in the iron group indicated that iron availability accounted for the Hb response difference. The mean weekly patient epoetin dose was significantly lower after 13 weeks of therapy (P=0.029) and after 15 weeks approximately 10 000 IU (>25%) lower in the iron group, as was the total epoetin dose (P=0.051). In conclusion, the Hb increase and response rate were significantly greater with the addition of intravenous iron to epoetin treatment in iron-replete patients and a lower dose of epoetin was required.

Topics: Anemia; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythropoietin; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Iron; Leukemia, Lymphoid; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Male

Epoetin beta, three-times weekly (t.i.w.), is effective in reversing anaemia in lymphoproliferative disorders. The current study investigated whether an epoetin beta dose of 30,000 IU given subcutaneously once weekly (q.w.) was at least as effective as 10,000 t.i.w. administration in anaemic patients with lymphoproliferative malignancy and defective endogenous erythropoietin (Epo) production. Overall, 241 anaemic patients with multiple myeloma, low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, all with serum Epo values

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Area Under Curve; Blood Transfusion; Disease-Free Survival; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythropoietin; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Proportional Hazards Models; Recombinant Proteins; Time

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of erythropoietin (epoetin beta) on red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with relapsed lymphoma treated with an aggressive sequential salvage chemotherapy (SSCT) regimen. Sixty patients with early or late relapsed Hodgkin's disease ( n=39) or first relapse of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma ( n=21) were randomized to receive epoetin beta 10,000 IE subcutaneously three times a week or no epoetin during salvage chemotherapy. Patients in both study arms received two cycles of DHAP (dexamethasone, high-dose cytarabine, cisplatin); patients in partial remission (PR) or complete remission (CR) then received cyclophosphamide, followed by peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest, methotrexate plus vincristine, and etoposide. The final myeloablative course was BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan) followed by autologous stem cell support. The primary endpoint of the study was the number of RBC units needed during SSCT. In addition, Hb levels and QOL were measured. The mean number of RBC units given in the epoetin beta arm was 4.5 compared to 8.3 in the control arm ( P=0.0134). The mean Hb levels during therapy were 10.4 g/dl in the epoetin beta arm and 9.7 g/dl in the control ( P=0.018). From baseline until BEAM therapy QOL (EORTC QLQ C30) and fatigue (MFI) assessment showed little QOL worsening or stable levels in both arms with a steeper increase of fatigue levels in the control group. Patients with relapsed lymphoma undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and stem cell support benefited from epoetin beta therapy, with a decrease of RBC transfusion requirements and lower rise of fatigue levels.

Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Erythropoietin; Female; Hemoglobins; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Quality of Life; Recombinant Proteins; Salvage Therapy

To investigate the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin beta) on anemia, transfusion need, and quality of life (QOL) in severely anemic patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), or multiple myeloma (MM).. Transfusion-dependent patients with NHL (n = 106), CLL (n = 126), or MM (n = 117) and a low serum erythropoietin concentration were randomized to receive epoetin beta 150 IU/kg or placebo subcutaneously three times a week for 16 weeks. Primary efficacy criteria were transfusion-free and transfusion- and severe anemia-free survival (hemoglobin [Hb] > 8.5 g/dL) between weeks 5 to 16. Response was defined as an increase in Hb > or = 2 g/dL with elimination of transfusion need. QOL was assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale.. Transfusion-free (P =.0012) survival and transfusion- and severe anemia-free survival (P =.0001) were significantly greater in the epoetin beta group versus placebo (Wald chi(2) test), giving a relative risk reduction of 43% and 51%, respectively. The response rate was 67% and 27% in the epoetin beta versus the placebo group, respectively (P <.0001). After 12 and 16 weeks of treatment, QOL significantly improved in the epoetin beta group compared with placebo (P <.05); this improvement correlated with an increase in Hb concentration (> or = 2 g/dL). A target Hb that could be generally recommended could not be identified.. Many severely anemic and transfusion-dependent patients with advanced MM, NHL, and CLL and a low performance status benefited from epoetin therapy, with elimination of severe anemia and transfusion need, and improvement in QOL.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Double-Blind Method; Erythropoietin; Female; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Iron; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Quality of Life; Recombinant Proteins; Surveys and Questionnaires; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with prolonged anemia caused by defective erythropoietin (Epo) production. We enrolled 34 recipients of an allogeneic HSCT in three consecutive trials to determine the optimal utilization of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) therapy in this setting.. In the first trial (n = 7), rhEpo 1400 U/kg/week was given from day 1 until a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 10 g/dL was achieved, for a maximum of 60 days. In the second trial, rhEpo 500 U/kg/week was given to achieve Hb levels of 13 to 14 g/dL in 13 anemic patients with fatigue 56 to 1440 days after transplant. In the third trial, rhEpo was scheduled to start on day 35 in 14 patients at a dose of 500 U/kg/week with the aim of achieving Hb levels of 13 to 14 g/dL.. In trial 1, erythroid recovery to 1% reticulocytes and red blood cell transfusion independence were faster, but the number of transfusions was not reduced compared to 10 controls. Responses were brisk in trial 2, with transfusion independence achieved after a median of 1 week in 12 of 13 patients, and 2-g Hb increments or Hb values of 11, 12, and 13 g/dL after 6, 7, 10, and 10 weeks, respectively. Transfusions were significantly reduced in the first month of rhEpo therapy. In trial 3, transfusion independence was obtained after a median of 1 week in 13 of 14 patients, and 2-g Hb increments or Hb values of 11, 12, and 13 g/dL after 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. Transfusions rates were considerably reduced compared to the previous month in the same patients or compared to controls undergoing peripheral blood or marrow transplant without rhEpo.. Anemia after allogeneic HSCT is exquisitely sensitive to rhEpo. The benefit is minimal when it is given early post-transplant, as used in all trials to date. However, the rate of major response is greater than 90% when rhEpo is started after day 35. These data provide the basis on which to conduct a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of rhEpo therapy after allogeneic HSCT.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Aplastic; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Child; Cyclosporine; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythropoietin; Female; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Leukemia; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Recombinant Proteins; Thrombocytosis; Transplantation, Homologous

One hundred twenty-one anemic, transfusion-dependent patients with multiple myeloma (MM) or low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were randomly allocated to receive (a) recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) 10,000 U/d subcutaneously 7 days a week (fixed dose group) (n = 38), or (b) rhEPO 2,000 U/d subcutaneously for 8 weeks followed by step-wise escalation of the rhEPO dose (titration group) (n = 44), or (c) no rhEPO therapy (control group) (n = 39). The total treatment period was 24 weeks. There were no differences between the three groups with regard to baseline clinical, demographic, or health status measures. The cumulative response frequency, defined as elimination of the transfusion need in combination with an increase in the hemoglobin concentration by >20 g/L, was 60% in both rhEPO treatment groups and 24% in the control group (P = .01 and .02, respectively, log rank test). For patients in the titration group the response rate on the first dose level (2,000 U/d) was only 14%. Cox's univariate regression analysis revealed that an inadequately low endogenous erythropoietin concentration in relation to the degree of anemia and a baseline platelet concentration > or = 100 x 10(9)/L were significant predictors for response to rhEPO therapy (P < .01). Multivariate regression analysis showed that relative erythropoietin concentration was the most important factor and the platelet count had no additional influence on response. Treatment with rhEPO was well tolerated. We conclude that treatment with rhEPO may be indicated in anemic MM and NHL patients with a relative erythropoietin deficiency. An initial dose of 5,000 U/d subcutaneously may be recommended.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Blood Transfusion; Erythropoietin; Female; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Recombinant Proteins

Previous phase I-II clinical trials have shown that recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) can ameliorate anemia in a portion of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Therefore, we performed a randomized controlled multicenter study to define the optimal initial dosage and to identify predictors of response to rHuEpo. A total of 146 patients who had hemoglobin (Hb) levels < or = 11 g/dL and who had no need for transfusion at the time of enrollment entered this trial. Patients were randomized to receive 1,000 U (n = 31), 2,000 U (n = 29), 5,000 U (n = 31), or 10,000 U (n = 26) of rHuEpo daily subcutaneously for 8 weeks or to receive no therapy (n = 29). Of the patients, 84 suffered from MM and 62 from low- to intermediate-grade NHL, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia; 116 of 146 (79%) received chemotherapy during the study. The mean baseline Hb level was 9.4 +/- 1.0 g/dL. The median serum Epo level was 32 mU/mL, and endogenous Epo production was found to be defective in 77% of the patients, as judged by a value for the ratio of observed-to-predicted serum Epo levels (O/P ratio) of < or = 0.9. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed to evaluate treatment efficacy. The median average increase in Hb levels per week was 0.04 g/dL in the control group and -0.04 (P = .57), 0.22 (P = .05), 0.43 (P = .01), and 0.58 (P = .0001) g/dL in the 1,000 U, 2,000 U, 5,000 U, and 10,000 U groups, respectively (P values versus control). The probability of response (delta Hb > or = 2 g/dL) increased steadily and, after 8 weeks, reached 31% (2,000 U), 61% (5,000 U), and 62% (10,000 U), respectively. Regression analysis using Cox's proportional hazard model and classification and regression tree analysis showed that serum Epo levels and the O/P ratio were the most important factors predicting response in patients receiving 5,000 or 10,000 U. Approximately three quarters of patients presenting with Epo levels inappropriately low for the degree of anemia responded to rHuEpo, whereas only one quarter of those with adequate Epo levels did so. Classification and regression tree analysis also showed that doses of 2,000 U daily were effective in patients with an average platelet count greater than 150 x 10(9)/L. About 50% of these patients are expected to respond to rHuEpo. Thus, rHuEpo was safe and effective in ameliorating the anemia of MM and NHL patients who showed defective endogenous Epo production. From a practical point of view, we co

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythropoietin; Female; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Life Tables; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Recombinant Proteins; Safety

Anemia is a universal finding in patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Effective therapies to increase the number of autologous red blood cells could result in a lower morbidity and mortality associated with red blood cell transfusions. We examined whether the addition of erythropoietin (Epo) to intensive therapy supported by progenitor cell transplantation and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) would result in a lower requirement for red blood cell transfusions. Thirty-five patients with lymphoma were randomized to receive Epo versus placebo. Epo (600 U/kg three times per week) or placebo was begun 3 weeks before administration of high-dose therapy. Epo was held during the week of the preparatory regimen, and restarted on the day after BMT. All patients also received G-CSF following BMT. No significant differences were noted between the two groups in terms of patient characteristics at pretreatment or post-BMT evaluation. There were no differences in the total number of red blood cell units transfused (median Epo: 8 v placebo: 6, P = .22) nor the number of platelet transfusions given (median Epo: 12 v placebo 5, P = .14). Engraftment of granulocytes (absolute neutrophil count > or = 500/microL) occurred in a median of 12 days (range, 9 to 33) for the patients receiving Epo and G-CSF, compared with a median of 10 days (range, 8 to 22) for those receiving placebo and G-CSF (P = .70). Likewise, there were no differences in the time to platelet count > or = 20,000/microL without further transfusions with a median of 22 days (range, 15 to 150+) for those receiving Epo and G-CSF compared with a median of 20 days (range, 11 to 54) for those patients receiving placebo and G-CSF (P = .28). The combination of G-CSF and Epo as administered in this study appears to be safe but does not result in an improvement in the total number of red blood cell transfusions or total number of single donor platelet units transfused.

Topics: Adult; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Erythropoietin; Female; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Transplantation, Autologous

Peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilising regimens that do not include cytotoxic drugs are needed if PBPC are to be used for allogeneic transplantation. We have studied the effects of erythropoietin on bone marrow and circulating haemopoietic progenitors. Eleven patients with untreated lymphoma received epoetin-alpha 300 or 450 iu/kg subcutaneously (sc) thrice weekly for 2 weeks. Their bone marrows and peripheral bloods were normal at entry. There were no differences between dose levels. Peripheral blood colony-forming cell (CFC) numbers increased fivefold over baseline (p = 0.003) including a sevenfold increase in GM-CFC (p = 0.003). CD34-positive cell numbers increased 4.6-fold (P < 0.01). Maximal CFC release was seen at days 5-8. No consistent change in megakaryocyte numbers was seen. The increase in numbers of cells capable of long-term haemopoiesis was not significant. The ratio of myeloid:erythroid cells in bone marrow reduced from 2.7 to 0.86 after erythropoietin treatment (p = 0.047). In bone marrow the only significant rise in CFCs was in erythroid progenitors. Erythropoietin alone resulted in a modest increase in PBPC that is unlikely to be useful for transplantation. The effects of erythropoietin in combination with other cytokines or with cytotoxic drugs remain to be explored.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bone Marrow; Colony-Forming Units Assay; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematopoiesis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins; Transplantation, Autologous

A 47-year-old female patient presented nausea and vomiting for half a year and elevated serum creatinine for 3 days. Proximal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) complicated with anemiawas confirmed after admission. Secondary factors, such as autoimmune disease, drugs, poison, monoclonal gammopathy, were excluded. Renal biopsy revealed acute interstitial nephritis. The patient was administrated with daily prednisone 50 mg, sodium bicarbonate 4 g, 3 times per day, erythropoietin 3 000 U, 2 times per week, combined with potassium, calcium, and calcitriol tablets. Serum creatinine reduced to 90 μmol/L. However nausea and vomiting deteriorated with lactic acidosis. Bone marrow biopsy indicated the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, therefore the patient was treated with chemotherapy. Although metabolic acidosis improved gradually after chemotherapy, severe pneumocystis carinii pneumonia developed two weeks later. The patient refused further treatment and was discharged.. 患者女性，47岁。因恶心、呕吐半年，发现肾功能异常（血肌酐255 μmol/L）3 d就诊，入院检查发现近端肾小管酸中毒合并贫血，排除自身免疫病、药物、毒物、单克隆免疫球蛋白病等继发因素，肾脏穿刺活检组织病理提示急性间质性肾炎，予泼尼松50 mg/d；碳酸氢钠4 g，3次/d；促红细胞生成素3 000 U，2次/周；氯化钾缓释片500 mg，3次/d；碳酸钙500 mg，3次/d；骨化三醇0.5 μg，1次/d。患者血肌酐恢复至90 μmol/L，但随诊期间患者恶心呕吐加重，再次检查发现合并乳酸酸中毒（乳酸14.1 mmol/L）。骨髓穿刺提示非霍奇金淋巴瘤，予CHOP方案化疗，期间乳酸酸中毒逐步好转（乳酸由14.5 mmol/L降至3.1 mmol/L），半个月后发生重症耶氏肺孢子菌肺炎，最终放弃治疗出院。.

Topics: Acidosis, Lactic; Acidosis, Renal Tubular; Anemia; Antineoplastic Agents; Biopsy; Creatinine; Erythropoietin; Female; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Middle Aged; Nausea; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis; Prednisone; Renal Insufficiency; Sodium Bicarbonate; Treatment Refusal; Vomiting

IMPACT NHL was a multicenter, observational study in adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) chemotherapy with or without rituximab. Erythropoietin-stimulating agent treatment was given according to routine clinical practice and physician preference. In a subanalysis, outcomes were evaluated in 207 patients who received darbepoetin alfa (DA). The most common reason (81%) for initiating DA was low/declining hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Mean (±standard deviation) duration of DA exposure was 8.8 ± 6.9 weeks (mean number of doses, 5.1 ± 4.6). Overall, 23% of patients had chemotherapy and DA treatment synchronized more than 75% of the time. At the time of DA initiation, 67% of patients had Hb concentrations in the guideline-recommended range (9-11 g/dl). Of 89 patients with Hb concentrations <10 g/dl at DA initiation and still receiving DA 5 weeks later, 92% (Kaplan-Meier) achieved Hb concentrations 10-12 g/dl between week 5 and at the end of treatment.

Topics: Anemia; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cyclophosphamide; Darbepoetin alfa; Doxorubicin; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Prednisolone; Rituximab; Treatment Outcome; Vincristine

In patients with hematologic malignancies, chemotherapy can further suppress bone marrow production. Whereas measures to correct anemia can improve patients' function and quality of life, the intervention threshold and the methods of correcting anemia in patients with malignant lymphoma are not clear. This study evaluates the frequency of anemia and the interventions used to correct anemia before and during chemotherapy for patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.. A retrospective electronic chart review was conducted of 312 patients who received cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma at 4 British Columbia Cancer Agency centers from June 1, 2004 to May 1, 2006. The chemotherapy regimens delivered were: doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) in 24 patients, CHOP + Rituximab (CHOP-R) in 215 patients, and Adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine in 73 patients. Initial hemoglobin (Hgb) and dates of lowest Hgb in the ranges, 110 to 119, 100 to 109, 90 to 99, 80 to 89, and <80 g/L were recorded. Review of medical records was performed to document the frequency of symptoms that may be related to anemia and the frequency of any discussion or intervention for anemia such as transfusion or erythropoietin (Epo).. The median age was 57 years (range, 16-87 years). About 24% of patients had Hodgkin's and 76% had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Prior to starting chemotherapy, 34% of subjects had an Hgb <120 g/L and 11% of subjects had an Hgb <100 g/L. In all patients with Hgb <120 g/L prechemotherapy, symptoms of anemia were documented in 57% but intervention to correct anemia occurred in only 4% of patients. During chemotherapy, 42% of subjects had a Hgb <120 g/L and 12% had a Hgb <100 g/L. Discussion and intervention rates increased with declining Hgb, particularly at levels <100 g/L. Among 36 patients with Hgb <100 g/L, symptoms were documented in 31 patients. Transfusion was used in 24 patients and Epo in 2 patients. During chemotherapy, 63% of patients with Hgb <120 g/L were symptomatic, but only 20% received an intervention to correct anemia.. Anemia was common prior to and during chemotherapy in patients with malignant lymphoma. The threshold of anemia intervention varied, with transfusion being the predominant method used. The rates of intervention for anemia were low in patients with anemia, despite randomized trials showing that anemia correction can improve fatigue and quality of life.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Blood Transfusion; British Columbia; Erythropoietin; Female; Hemoglobins; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins; Retrospective Studies

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anemia; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Erythropoietin; Female; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma

High-dose intensification and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely used to consolidate patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), who have reached a stage of minimal residual disease. However, patients with persisting marrow and/or blood involvement and those who fail peripheral blood hemopoietic progenitor mobilization are excluded from ASCT. For such patients with no available graft to infuse, we developed 15 years ago, before the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapeutic era, the use of the BEAM pretransplant regimen followed only by the administration of three cytokines (erythropoietin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor). We report here on the long-term follow-up of 33 patients treated with this approach. In all, 33 NHL patients underwent the BEAM (carmustine, VP-16, cytosine-arabinoside, melphalan) followed by the administration of the three cytokines from January 1994-2000. A backup marrow, albeit infiltrated by tumor cells, had been collected earlier and stored in all. A total of 30 patients (91%) recovered normal hematopoiesis. In total, 32 patients (97%) recovered neutrophils (>500/microl) at a median of 19 days and 30 patients (91%) recovered platelets (>20,000/microl) at a median of 26 days. Age, richness of backup graft and blood-hemoglobin level at intensification had an impact on the time for hematopoietic recovery (P=0.014, P=0.014, P=0.048). The median follow-up was 62 months. Five patients died from toxicity related to the procedure. Eight patients relapsed and died. A total of 20 patients (61%) are alive, 16 (49%) in complete remission. A 5-year disease-free survival was 52+/-9%, relapse incidence 35+/-16%, mortality due to the procedure 12+/-12% and overall survival 61+/-10%. The BEAM regimen is not myeloablative. The BEAM+3CK procedure is a feasible therapeutic option that has shown efficacy in poor risk NHL patients who were not eligible for autografting because of persisting marrow/blood tumor contamination, or poor hemopoietic progenitor harvesting. It is unclear today whether some of these patients would have cleared their marrow/peripheral blood with the additional use of anti-CD20 treatment, thereby making the classical approach (BEAM followed by the infusion of a clean autograft) feasible.

Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carmustine; Cytarabine; Drug Therapy, Combination; Erythropoietin; Etoposide; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Survival Rate; Time Factors

A major goal of experimental and clinical hematology is the identification of mechanisms and conditions supporting the expansion of transplantable hematopoietic stem cells. We assessed the expansion potential of CD34+CD71-CD45- cells derived from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood under recently defined serum-free culture conditions. The CD34+CD71-CD45- cells in mobilized peripheral blood were found to contain the majority (92%+/-5.6) of primitive long-term culture initiating cells (LTCIC) and 53.5%+/-16.7 of the more committed colony-forming cells (CFC). Furthermore, this population represents 23.3%+/-4.1 of the total CD34+ cells and allows reduction of the cell density important for maintenance/expansion of primitive progenitor cells. CD34+ CD71- CD45- cells were cultured in defined serum-free media supplemented with 300 ng each of Flt-3 ligand and stem cell factor (SCF), 60 ng of interleukin (IL)-3, and 20 ng each of IL-6 and G-CSF. Mononuclear cells (MNC) and CFC were expanded 50-fold and 200-fold, respectively; primitive progenitor cells (LTC-IC) were maintained at input values after a total of 10 days of expansion. The addition of IL-15 to our cytokine cocktail expanded LTC-IC 2- to 3-fold and CFC to >500-fold. The data presented should allow clinical manipulation (purging) and expansion procedures with mobilized PBPC harvests without the loss of primitive progenitor cells and could be made applicable for large-scale clinical expansion.

Topics: ADP-ribosyl Cyclase; ADP-ribosyl Cyclase 1; Antigens, CD; Antigens, CD34; Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; Breast Neoplasms; Cells, Cultured; Culture Media, Serum-Free; Erythropoietin; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Humans; Interleukin-15; Interleukin-3; Interleukin-6; Leukocyte Common Antigens; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Membrane Glycoproteins; Membrane Proteins; Methylcellulose; Receptors, Transferrin; Stem Cells

We investigated the role of stem cell purification and G-CSF (early vs. delayed vs. no G-CSF) administration on hemopoietic recovery and supportive care requirements after stem cell transplantation. Thirty-two patients submitted to autologous CD34(+) peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) were studied, and data were compared to patients undergoing unfractionated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (uPBSCT) matched for age, disease, and conditioning regimen. Except for PMN, hemopoietic recovery was significantly slower and supportive care requirements were significantly higher after CD34(+) PBSCT. Median time to PMN >0.5 x 10(9)/l was 13 days (range 9-27) and 13 d (range 9-23); reticulocytes (Ret) >1% was 14.5 d (range 12-34) and 12 d (range 10-27); high-fluorescence reticulocytes (HFR) >5% was 12 d (range 9-26) and 9 d (range 7-11); platelets >50 x 10(9)/l and >100 x 10(9)/l was 20 d (range 10-240), 12 d (range 9-60) and 33 d (range 15-720), 15 d (range 11-210). When the analysis was performed on subgroups of patients (early/delayed/no G-CSF), early G-CSF significantly promoted PMN recovery (>0.5 x 10(9)/l and >1.0 x 10(9)/l) compared to no G-CSF, without affecting RBCs or platelet recovery. Delayed G-CSF did not improve PMN recovery compared to patients not receiving G-CSF, did not result in a significant reduction of drug requirements, and had a negative impact on erythroid and platelet recovery. In conclusion, these preliminary data suggest that G-CSF is useful if given early after CD34(+) PBSCT. CD34(+) PBSCT may overall require a significant increase of resource utilization that should be outweighed by proven clinical benefit.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antigens, CD34; Cell Separation; Erythropoietin; Female; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematopoiesis; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Kinetics; Leukocyte Count; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Neutrophils; Platelet Count; Reticulocyte Count; Transplantation Conditioning; Treatment Outcome

Anemia is a predominant clinical problem in the management of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and often an indication to initiate chemotherapy. However, many elderly patients, especially those with concomitant disorders, do not tolerate such therapy very well. This report describes three patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who were treated solely with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) for lymphoma-associated anemia. The rhEPO was given at an initial dose of 150 U/kg three times weekly, with dose reduction when a response had been achieved. All three patients normalized their hemoglobin level and severe anemia-related symptoms disappeared. Responses are ongoing in two patients after 10 and 12 mo of therapy, respectively. The third patient maintained a response to rhEPO for over 5 yr, without any need for further therapeutic interventions, before dying of an unrelated event. This treatment strategy seems worthy of further investigation in selected lymphoma patients where anemia is the major complication of the disease.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Erythropoietin; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Recombinant Proteins; Time Factors

We observed an unexpectedly rapid rise in platelet counts with complete haematological recovery after a BEAM regimen, in a patient who could not be rescued by autologous transplant but who received filgrastim, epoetin alfa, and ancestim. We feel that these results may be attributed to this specific growth factor combination, including ancestim, a cytokine known to act on primitive stem cells. If confirmed, this observation may open new possibilities in intensive chemotherapy for patients for whom haematopoietic progenitors are difficult to harvest. This may also represent an alternative to ex-vivo expansion and deserves further investigation.

Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Blood Cell Count; Carmustine; Cytarabine; Epoetin Alfa; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Erythropoietin; Etoposide; Female; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematopoiesis; Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Melphalan; Platelet Transfusion; Recombinant Proteins; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Bone Marrow Transplantation; Drug Administration Schedule; Erythropoietin; Female; Hallucinations; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins; Visual Perception

We present 2 cases of Jehovah's Witnesses' children suffering from oncological diseases (non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia). During their treatment we used erythropoietin and no blood products were transfused.

Topics: Blood Transfusion; Child, Preschool; Christianity; Erythropoietin; Female; Humans; Infant; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Treatment Refusal

Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Erythropoietin; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Religion and Medicine

Topics: Adult; Anemia; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Drug Administration Schedule; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematinics; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Recombinant Proteins

Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Erythropoietin; Etoposide; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Humans; Interleukin-3; Lymphoma, AIDS-Related; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Prednisone; Vincristine; Zidovudine

To determine the potential impact of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) therapy in patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and colony-stimulating factor therapy, we assayed endogenous serum EPO levels and noted blood transfusion requirements in relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with high-dose chemo-radiation therapy and autologous BMT. Hematocrit and reticulocyte counts were determined daily, and hematocrit was maintained in the 25-30% range by transfusion according to criteria established by our hospital transfusion committee. EPO levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and were determined at baseline, throughout therapy, and 2 and 3 months after BMT. Serum EPO levels increased more than 25-fold above baseline in most subjects after initiating chemoradiation therapy. No correlation was noted between serum EPO and hematocrit, reticulocyte count or serum creatinine. Total red blood cell units transfused ranged from 4 to 15 (mean 7.7). Mean total donor exposures (red blood cell plus platelet units transfused) were 83.6 units (range 16-175). Serum EPO levels increased early in the course of preparation for autologous BMT and remained elevated for at least 2-3 weeks thereafter although at a lower level. Red blood cell transfusions were required despite very high EPO levels after BMT. Red cell transfusions, moreover, accounted for only 9.2% (69 of 746) of total donor exposures and only 5.8% (42 of 746) of donor exposures during the interval when pharmacologic doses of erythropoietin might be of benefit. In contrast to the potential benefit of colony-stimulating factors such as G-CSF and GM-CSF in BMT, our study suggests limited value for erythropoietin therapy in this setting.

Topics: Adult; Blood Transfusion; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Erythropoietin; Female; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Middle Aged; Transplantation, Autologous

Topics: Anemia; Erythropoietin; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Recombinant Proteins

Most children with leukaemia are anaemic at diagnosis and at various times during treatment. Serum erythropoietin (EPO) was estimated in 27 children with acute leukaemia (n = 26) or lymphoma (n = 1) at diagnosis (n = 16), in relation to treatment with high-dose methotrexate (MTX, n = 11) or cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C, n = 8), and during oral maintenance therapy (n = 10). At diagnosis, in children with anaemia serum EPO was increased, and was inversely related to haemoglobin (Hb). After treatment with high-dose MTX, in some children serum EPO increased where Hb was unchanged or increased. After treatment with high-dose Ara-C, Hb declined, and serum EPO increased markedly in everyone. During oral maintenance therapy without significant anaemia, serum EPO was slightly increased in some children. In conclusion, children with leukaemia respond to anaemia with increased serum EPO concentration, but in relation to treatment with high-dose MTX and Ara-C, additional mechanisms may influence the EPO concentration.

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia; Child; Child, Preschool; Cytarabine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythropoietin; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infant; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Longitudinal Studies; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Methotrexate; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma

Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Erythropoietin; Kidney Neoplasms; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Polycythemia

Topics: Anemia; Bone Marrow; DNA; Erythropoiesis; Erythropoietin; Heme; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; In Vitro Techniques; Iron Radioisotopes; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; RNA; Thymidine; Thymoma; Tritium

The serum level of erythropoietin was measured in 31 patients with anemia secondary to chronic infection or malignancy and compared with erythropoietin levels in 23 patients with iron-deficiency anemia and 14 patients with primary hematopoietic diseases. Erythropoietin levels varied directly with the degree of anemia in patients with iron deficiency or primary hematopoietic disorders. There was no correlation of erythropoietin and the degree of anemia in patients with chronic infection or malignancy and the erythropoietin levels were significantly lower than in patients with iron deficiency or primary hematopoietic disease and the same degree of anemia. A major factor in the anemia of chronic disorders is a decrease in levels of erythropoietin.

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Hypochromic; Animals; Biological Assay; Bone Marrow Diseases; Carcinoma; Chronic Disease; Erythropoietin; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Infections; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Neutralization Tests

Topics: Animals; Bone Marrow; Carbon Isotopes; Cobalt; Enzymes; Erythrocytes; Erythropoietin; Glycine; Heme; Hemorrhage; Histones; Iron; Iron Isotopes; Liver; Lyases; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Lysine; Phenylhydrazines; Porphyrins; Radiation Effects; Rats; Reticulocytes; Spleen