Description

Erythropoietin may be administered in a patient with cancer to help correct anemia or as prophylaxis during chemotherapy. The response can be evaluated using hematologic criteria.


 

Correction of Anemia

 

Parameters:

(1) hematocrit value

(2) hematocrit increment

(3) transfusion needs

 

Hematocrit

Transfusion Need

Response

normal

none

complete

hematocrit >= 30%, AND hematocrit increment >= 6%

none

major

NA

transfusion needs reduced by >= 50%

minor

hematocrit < 30% AND hematocrit increment >= 6%

NA

minor

hematocrit >= 30% AND hematocrit increment < 6%

NA

minor

hematocrit < 30% AND hematocrit increment < 6%

transfusion needs not reduced or reduced < 50%

failure

 

Prophylaxis during Chemotherapy

 

If a cancer patient is receiving erythropoietin during chemotherapy to prevent anemia:

(1) complete response: maintenance of normal hematocrit

(2) major response: decrease in hematocrit < 6%

(3) minor response: decrease in hematocrit >= 6% but without need for transfusion

(4) failure: decrease in hematocrit >= 6% and requiring transfusion

 


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