Epoetin Alfa in Treating Anemia in Patients Who Are Receiving Chemotherapy
Anemia, Breast Cancer, Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Anemia
Eligibility Criteria
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Anemic: Hemoglobin in males less than 11.5 g/dL; hemoglobin in females less than 10.0 g/dL No anemia secondary to B12, folic acid, or iron deficiency No anemia secondary to gastrointestinal bleed or hemolysis No anemia secondary to a primary or chemotherapy-induced myelodysplastic syndrome No anemia secondary to acute lymphocytic leukemia Histologically confirmed advanced malignancy Lung Breast Other Currently receiving myelosuppressive, cytotoxic chemotherapy for advanced cancer No patients receiving adjuvant therapy for cancer that has been surgically removed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: At least 4 months Hematopoietic: See Disease Characteristics Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Cardiovascular: No uncontrolled hypertension (systolic at least 180, diastolic at least 100) Other: Normal or elevated ferritin No known hypersensitivity to epoetin alfa Must be able to reliably take oral medication Must be alert and mentally competent Not pregnant or nursing PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 1 year since prior epoetin alfa At least 2 weeks since prior red blood cell transfusions No concurrent peripheral blood stem cell or bone marrow transplantation Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Concurrent radiotherapy allowed Surgery: See Disease Characteristics
Sites / Locations
- CCOP - Scottsdale Oncology Program
- Howard University Cancer Center
- CCOP - Illinois Oncology Research Association
- CCOP - Carle Cancer Center
- CCOP - Cedar Rapids Oncology Project
- CCOP - Iowa Oncology Research Association
- Siouxland Hematology-Oncology
- CCOP - Wichita
- CCOP - Ochsner
- CCOP - Duluth
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
- CentraCare Clinic
- CCOP - Missouri Valley Cancer Consortium
- Medcenter One Health System
- CCOP - Merit Care Hospital
- Altru Health Systems
- CCOP - Toledo Community Hospital Oncology Program
- CCOP - Geisinger Clinic and Medical Center
- Rapid City Regional Hospital
- CCOP - Sioux Community Cancer Consortium
- Allan Blair Cancer Centre
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Placebo Comparator
epoetin alfa
placebo
Patients receiving chemotherapy are randomized to receive epoetin alfa subcutaneously once a week for a maximum of 16 weeks Quality of life is assessed at randomization and monthly throughout study. Patients are followed every 6 months for 1 year.
Patients receiving chemotherapy are randomized to receive placebo subcutaneously once a week for a maximum of 16 weeks. Quality of life is assessed at randomization and monthly throughout study. Patients are followed every 6 months for 1 year.