Downstaging Rai stage III B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with the administration of recombinant human erythropoietin

摘要: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) on disease-related anemia in patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and to explore whether improvement could delay initiation cytotoxic therapy. DESIGN METHODS: Twenty five B-CLL (12 males 13 females; median age 70 years) were treated r-HuEPO. Patients either no treatment or a standard regimen, had at least Rai stage III disease, hematocrit (Hct) 6% from pretreatment level. RESULTS: CR was observed 18/25 (72%) PR 2/25 (8%) patients. Six downstaged 0, 9 I 4 II. Response sustained maintenance At follow-up 32 months only responders required antileukemic treatment. The survival has not been reached, 3-year is 84%. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS: r-HuEPO efficient downstaging patients, delayed Whether this effect can be translated into better rates remains clarified randomized trials.