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Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in anemia associated with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

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Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology

Abstract

Anemia is observed in most patients with multiple myeloma (MM), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and may already be manifested at the time of diagnosis. In patients with MM, hemoglobin values <10.0g/dL were found in 49% and severe anemia (hemoglobin <7.5 g/dL) in 19% of the patients already at the time of diagnosis (MRC working party 1980). Patients with NHL have been reported to have an anemia rate of approximately 40% (Coiffier 1999). Anemia usually (but not always, especially in MM) normalizes in patients who achieve complete remission after chemotherapy. However, it persists in patients who are unresponsive to treatment, and recurs in those with relapsing disease. Anemia is a general finding in later phases of the disease, when toxicity of long-term treatment, impairment of renal function, and heavy tumor load contribute to its induction and aggravation.

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Österborg, A. (2002). Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in anemia associated with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In: Nowrousian, M.R. (eds) Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-7658-0_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-7658-0_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-7091-7660-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-7658-0

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