Recombinant human erythropoietin therapy for cisplatin associated anaemia : a pilot study

Sixteen patients with cisplatin associated anaemia (haemoglobin less than 9 gm per cent) received recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO), 50 U/kg subcutaneously three times a week for three weeks on an out patient basis. Seven of fifteen patients responded (increase in haemoglobin to greater than 10 g per cent); six following an well; headache, fatigue, nausea and feverish feeling being the main side effects. No episodes of hypertension or thrombo-haemorrhagic complications were detected. We conclude that recombinant human erythropoietin is safe and well tolerated in the recombinant human erythropoietin is safe and well tolerated in the treatment of cisplatin induced anaemia. It results in response rate of about 50 per cent following low dose treatment (50 U/kg three times a week). Further studies are needed to determine the optimum dose. schedule of EPO therapy and its impact on transfusion requirements