Jun
2002
The effects of epoetin alfa on transfusion requirements in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Laryngoscope 2002;112(7):1221-1229.
NATA Rating :
Review by : Henry DH
NATA Review
An exciting issue is studied in this head/neck cancer patient population. Perioperative EPO may have a role to decrease blood transfusion needs and speed recovery. While this is only a single institution study, it continues to make the point that this strategy can be effective. Further study is needed to see if it will have any effect on the tumor or overall survival.
– David H. Henry