Ovarian Cancer News
Aranesp® and Epoetin Alfa Do Not Increase Blood Clots in Ovarian Cancer
Researchers from the University of North Carolina have reported that theuse of Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) or epoetin alfa (Procrit® or Epogen®) does not appear to increase the risk of developing medical complications due to blood clots in patients with ovarian cancer who have chemotherapy-induced anemia. The details of this study appeared in the May 2007 issue of Gynecologic Oncology.
Aranesp and Procrit are routinely used to correct chemotherapy induced anemia and prevent blood transfusions. However, some studies have suggested that patients receiving these drugs have an increased incidence of thromboembolism.
The current study included data from 364 women diagnosed with ovarian or peritoneal cancer. The study included over 10 years of data from women with chemotherapy-induced anemia; 90 women received either Aranesp or epoetin alfa, and 253 did not.
The incidence of blood clots in deep veins was 6.7% in the group that received either Aranesp or epoetin alfa and 5.1% in the group that did not receive treatment for anemia; these findings did not reach statistical significance.
The researchers concluded that treatment with Aranesp or epoetin alfa does not increase the risk of blood clots occurring in deep veins among patients with ovarian or peritoneal cancers who have chemotherapy-induced anemia. They stated, “A randomized trial is needed to further explore this issue and to detail the safety and efficacy of these agents in patients with various other cancers.”
Comments: This was a relatively small study that probably did not have the power to detect small differences between treated and untreated groups.
Reference: Westin S, Skinner E, Funk M, et al. Incidence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis with epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa treatment of anemia in patients with ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer. Gynecologic Oncology.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
what is bllod cancer?
Introduction
Blood consists of a liquid (plasma) that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other components. A blood disorder can develop when there are too many or too few of these components or when they are abnormal.
Each component of the blood has an important function. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen to the body's tissues and carry carbon dioxide (a waste product) from the tissues. If there is a problem with red blood cells, the body's tissues do not get enough oxygen, and tissues and organs may malfunction. People with too few red blood cells (anemia) often feel tired. White blood cells (leukocytes) help fight infection and cancer. If there is a problem with white blood cells, infections and cancer are more likely to develop. Platelets (thrombocytes) and clotting factors help blood clot. If there is a problem with platelets or clotting factors, excessive bleeding or excessive clotting may occur. The inner part of bone (bone marrow) contains immature, unspecialized cells, called stem cells, that develop into white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. If there is a problem with bone marrow, too many or too few of these components may be produced.
Some blood disorders are more common among older people. However, sometimes blood disorders are not detected promptly because the symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, are mistakenly attributed to aging itself. Certain cancers that affect the blood's components, such as multiple myeloma and leukemia, are relatively common among older people.
Blood consists of a liquid (plasma) that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other components. A blood disorder can develop when there are too many or too few of these components or when they are abnormal.
Each component of the blood has an important function. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen to the body's tissues and carry carbon dioxide (a waste product) from the tissues. If there is a problem with red blood cells, the body's tissues do not get enough oxygen, and tissues and organs may malfunction. People with too few red blood cells (anemia) often feel tired. White blood cells (leukocytes) help fight infection and cancer. If there is a problem with white blood cells, infections and cancer are more likely to develop. Platelets (thrombocytes) and clotting factors help blood clot. If there is a problem with platelets or clotting factors, excessive bleeding or excessive clotting may occur. The inner part of bone (bone marrow) contains immature, unspecialized cells, called stem cells, that develop into white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. If there is a problem with bone marrow, too many or too few of these components may be produced.
Some blood disorders are more common among older people. However, sometimes blood disorders are not detected promptly because the symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, are mistakenly attributed to aging itself. Certain cancers that affect the blood's components, such as multiple myeloma and leukemia, are relatively common among older people.
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