rHuEPO and treatment outcomes: the preclinical experience. Oncologist 2004; 9 (Suppl 5): 48-54. Radiol Oncol 2013; 47(4): 382-389. Trost N et al

The presence of hypoxic areas is a common feature of solid tumors and has been associated with decreased sen-sitivity of the tumors to radiation therapy and oxygen-dependent chemotherapeutic agents, as well as worsened outcomes, including survival. Anemia is also common in cancer patients and is believed to contribute to tumor hypoxia. Thus, the rationale exists for administering recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa) in an effort to increase hemoglobin levels, correct anemia, and thereby possibly increase the sensitivity of tumors to standard cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. The results of several preclinical studies that examined the impact of anemia prevention by rHuEPO on tumor sensitivity to radiation therapy in rodent model