Improvements in anemia management with epoetin alfa: A Dutch Survey

8126 Background: In patients (pts) who undergo chemotherapy (CT), anemia seriously threatens the quality of life (QoL). This survey was set up to gain insight into the Dutch daily clinical practice concerning anemia management with epoetin alfa (EA; Eprex) in cancer pts treated with CT and to assess hemoglobin (Hb) development and blood transfusion (BTx) outcomes. Methods: Pts were eligible if they received CT and either received EA or had an Hb ≤ 11.3 g/dL. We collected data on Hb, BTx and EA treatment from 2 weeks before start of CT until end of CT for all pts. Data were analyzed for all pts that received EA for a minimum of 4 weeks, since that is seen as a lower limit for intent-to-treat. In some analyses pts were stratified on Hb at start of EA and number of weeks after CT start. Results: Data of 781 pts were collected. 473 Pts had EA treatment for a minimum of 4 weeks. During 8 weeks before the start of EA treatment, Hb decreased by 1.00 ± 0.13 g/dL per 4 weeks (p<0.0001*), ending up at 10.1 ± 0.13 g...