Impact of Safety Concerns and Regulatory Changes on the Usage of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents and RBC Transfusions

The content of this article has been reviewed by independent peer reviewers to ensure that it is balanced, objective, and free from commercial bias. No financial relationships relevant to the content of this article have been disclosed by the independent peer reviewers. Purpose. Safety concerns raised in the recent oncology trials with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have led to regulatory restrictions on their use. We wished to determine the impact of these changes on the use of ESAs and RBC transfusions. Methods. In a retrospective observational study of pa-tients treated at a comprehensive cancer center in 2006– 2008, data on all ESA doses dispensed, RBCs transfused, and hemoglobin levels on the days of trans-fusions and ESA initiations were analyzed. Results. Compared with 2006, the total patient