Management of cancer-associated anemia with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents: ASCO/ASH clinical practice guideline update.
Study Goal
To update recommendations for the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with cancer, focusing on safety, efficacy, and appropriate usage.
Results Summary
The study found that ESAs (including biosimilars) are effective in reducing the need for RBC transfusions in patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia when hemoglobin levels decline below 10 g/dL. Adding iron to ESA treatment may improve hematopoietic response and further reduce transfusion likelihood.
Population
Patients with cancer, specifically those with chemotherapy-associated anemia or selected patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
adding iron to treatment with an ESA | increase | hematopoietic response | patients with cancer | - | may improve | #1 |
adding iron to treatment with an ESA | decrease | RBC transfusion | patients with cancer | - | reduce the likelihood of | #2 |
biosimilars of epoetin alfa | no change | reference products | patients with cancer or chronic kidney disease | - | have similar efficacy and safety to | #3 |
ESAs (including biosimilars) | neutral | chemotherapy-associated anemia | patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia whose cancer treatment is not curative in intent and whose hemoglobin has declined to < 10 g/dL | - | may be offered to | #4 |
ESAs | neutral | nonchemotherapy-associated anemia | most patients with nonchemotherapy-associated anemia | - | should not be offered to | #5 |
During ESA treatment | increase | the lowest concentration needed to avoid transfusions | patients receiving ESA treatment | - | hemoglobin may be increased to | #6 |
iron replacement | increase | hemoglobin response | patients receiving ESA with or without iron deficiency | - | may be used to improve | #7 |
iron replacement | decrease | RBC transfusions | patients receiving ESA with or without iron deficiency | - | reduce | #8 |
PURPOSE: To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/American Society of Hematology (ASH) recommendations for use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with cancer. METHODS: PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs in patients with cancer published from January 31, 2010, through May 14, 2018. For biosimilar ESAs, the literature search was expanded to include meta-analyses and RCTs in patients with cancer or chronic kidney disease and cohort studies in patients with cancer due to limited RCT evidence in the cancer setting. ASCO and ASH convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and revise previous recommendations as needed. RESULTS: The primary literature review included 15 meta-analyses of RCTs and two RCTs. A growing body of evidence suggests that adding iron to treatment with an ESA may improve hematopoietic response and reduce the likelihood of RBC transfusion. The biosimilar literature review suggested that biosimilars of epoetin alfa have similar efficacy and safety to reference products, although evidence in cancer remains limited. RECOMMENDATIONS: ESAs (including biosimilars) may be offered to patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia whose cancer treatment is not curative in intent and whose hemoglobin has declined to < 10 g/dL. RBC transfusion is also an option. With the exception of selected patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, ESAs should not be offered to most patients with nonchemotherapy-associated anemia. During ESA treatment, hemoglobin may be increased to the lowest concentration needed to avoid transfusions. Iron replacement may be used to improve hemoglobin response and reduce RBC transfusions for patients receiving ESA with or without iron deficiency. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines and www.hematology.org/guidelines.