Early intervention with epoetin beta prevents severe anaemia in patients with solid tumours receiving platinum-based chemotherapy: results of the NeoPrevent study.

Background: Anaemia is common during platinum-based chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of epoetin beta in the prevention of severe anaemia in patients with solid tumours receiving concomitant platinum therapy.

Methods: In this open-label, single-arm study, patients (n = 255) with solid tumours and haemoglobin (Hb) levels

Results: An anaemia prevention response [defined as patients with a Hb response (increase in Hb level > 1 g/dl from baseline) plus patients whose Hb levels remained +/- 1 g/dl of baseline throughout the study] was observed in 234 patients (92%). Response to epoetin beta was rapid. Of the 159 patients achieving a Hb response, 139 (87%) had Hb levels > 1 g/dl of baseline within 4 weeks of treatment initiation. Mean Hb levels had improved from 10.8 +/- 1.0 g/dl at baseline to 12.2 +/- 1.8 g/dl by the final visit. Quality of life measured by linear analogue scale assessment significantly (P < 0.01) improved in patients achieving a Hb response (n = 159).

Conclusions: Epoetin beta effectively prevents anaemia in most patients with solid tumours receiving concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy.