Efficacy of epoetin alfa in a retrospective non-stratified subgroup analysis of a breast cancer cohort receiving non-platinum chemotherapy

摘要: AIMS AND BACKGROUND More than 60% of patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving non-platinum-based chemotherapy experience anemia, which is associated fatigue and impaired quality life. Epoetin alfa treatment in a variety malignancies has been shown to decrease transfusion requirements improve hemoglobin levels quality-of-life efficacy parameters. PATIENTS Retrospective subgroup analyses were performed who part multinational, randomized (2:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial anemic (n = 375) undergoing chemotherapy. RESULTS In the subpopulation 114, 48% stage IV disease at baseline), increase was greater for epoetin placebo (2.3 versus 0.9 g/dL). had lower (28.2% 33.3%), improvement or preservation deterioration life, higher proportion responders (patients achieving > 2 g/dL unrelated transfusion) (68.0% 22.9% placebo). The results similar those observed full study cohort, where statistical showed differences be significant (P <0.05 all). well tolerated. Although not designed powered survival as an endpoint, Kaplan-Meier estimates cohort trend overall favoring 0.13, log rank test); benefit seen subpopulation. CONCLUSIONS subpopulation, effectively treated anemia (increased decreased requirements) improved preserved Results concerning potential benefits support further patients.