The Effects of Procrit (Epoetin Alfa) on Hemoglobin Symptom Distress and Quality of Life During Chemotherapy in Lymphoma Patients With Mild to Moderate Anemia A Multicenter Trial

OBJECTIVES:

• Determine the hematologic response and transfusion requirements of patients with malignant lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or multiple myeloma with chemotherapy related moderate anemia treated with epoetin alfa.
• Determine the effect of moderate anemia on quality of life of these patients treated with this regimen.
• Correlate changes in quality of life with changes in anemia associated with treatment with epoetin alfa in these patients.
• Determine the effect of changing quality of life on health care resource utilization among these patients treated with epoetin alfa.

OUTLINE: This is a randomized, open label, multicenter study.

Patients are evaluated for anemia during their prescribed chemotherapy regimens at either 3 or 4 week intervals beginning week 3 or 4. Patients with hemoglobin levels of 10.0-12.0 g/dL are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms. Patients with hemoglobin levels greater than 12.0 g/dL are not randomized until their hemoglobin levels decrease to 12.0 g/dL or below.

• Arm I: Patients immediately receive epoetin alfa subcutaneously each week.
• Arm II: Patients are observed for 6-8 weeks and then hemoglobin levels are reevaluated. Patients whose hemoglobin levels decrease below 9.0 g/dL receive epoetin alfa subcutaneously each week. Patients whose hemoglobin levels are at least 9.0 g/dL are observed for another 3-4 weeks and then hemoglobin levels are reevaluated.