Epoetin alfa improves anemia and reduces transfusion dependence in low-risk MDS

Epoetin alfa effectively reduces transfusion dependence and improves haemoglobin levels in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), especially in patients with lower baseline erythropoietin (EPO) levels, according to a study.

The study, which included data from 56 patients, found that epoetin alfa not only reduced the need for transfusions but also improved patients’ quality of life. An 8-week course of 30,000 units of the drug resulted in improved haemoglobin (Hb) levels in 41.1% of patients, with another 41.1% maintaining stable Hb levels. Patients with baseline erythropoietin (EPO) levels below 250 IU/L were found to have better treatment outcomes (P = 0.0065).

The findings also showed that patients who required fewer transfusions before treatment experienced longer periods of transfusion independence, averaging 8.1 months (P = 0.015). In addition, dose escalation to 60,000 units benefitted 53.3% of patients with initially stable Hb levels.

Reference
Aboulela M, Collins A. Efficacy of Epoetin Alfa in Managing Symptomatic Anaemia in Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Retrospective Analysis. Cureus. 2024;16(10):e72460. doi: 10.7759/cureus.72460. PMID: 39463913; PMCID: PMC11512730.