Initial dosing of epoetin alfa 60,000 U QW followed by Q2W maintenance for anemic patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy

8212 Background: The efficacy of epoetin alfa (EPO) at a starting dose of 40,000 U SC once weekly (QW) has been established in previous clinical studies. Higher starting doses followed by less frequent maintenance dosing may shorten time to Hb response, and increase response rates. Methods: In this ongoing open-label, multicenter, pilot study in 130 anemic (Hb ≤11 g/dL) pts with cancer receiving CT, EPO 60,000 U SC QW was administered for up to 12 weeks (wks) until a target Hb ≥12 g/dL was reached (initiation phase [IP]). Pts who achieved Hb ≥12 g/dL then received maintenance dosing of 60,000 U SC every 2 wks (Q2W; maintenance phase [MP]). Primary end point was proportion of pts with Hb ≥12 g/dL or Hb increase ≥2 g/dL from baseline (BL) in IP. Eligible pts were ≥18 y with nonmyeloid malignancy scheduled to receive CT QW or every 4 wks for ≥16 wks. Pts were followed for up to 24 wks and received 1 dose of EPO after last CT cycle. Pts are withdrawn for missed doses and for Hb <11 g/dL in MP. Results: Fifty-...