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Hematology-Oncology Service, Luxembourg Medical Centre, Luxembourg
Key Words. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents • ESAs • Thromboembolism • VTE
Correspondence: Correspondence: Mario Dicato, M.D., F.R.C.P.(Edin.), Haematology-Oncology, Luxembourg Medical Center, L-1210 Luxembourg. Telephone: 352-4411-2084; Fax: 352-44-12-15; e-mail: mdicato{at}gmail.com
Disclosure: M.D. has acted as a consultant to Janssen-Cilag. No other potential conflicts of interest were reported by the author, planners, reviewer, or staff managers of this article.
Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) are frequent in cancer patients because of the effects of malignant disease, its treatment, and comorbidities. The higher risk for VTEs associated with the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) appears to be a class effect but may be particularly pronounced when these agents are used in patients who are not anemic at baseline and/or to achieve hemoglobin targets higher than those recommended in current labeling. Particular attention should be taken to assess the balance of risks and benefits in patients with a history of thromboembolism. If the goal of treatment of patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia is aimed to raise the hemoglobin level to 12 g/dl, and is confined to that, ESA-induced VTEs should rarely be a problem.
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M. S. Aapro Editorial: Anemia Management with Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents: A Risk-Benefit Update Oncologist, May 1, 2008; 13(suppl_3): 1 - 3. [Full Text] [PDF] |
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