Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are approved worldwide for
treating anemia in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. ESA-safety issues include
thromboembolic events and there have been concerns about a possible induction of
disease progression or increased mortality in cancer patients treated with these agents.
This chapter discusses available evidence regarding this question. Clinical data and
preclinical studies provide no convincing evidence that ESAs increase any risk related
to the patient’s cancer when used within label. Assessment and definition of disease
progression vary across studies, and preclinical work has often been conducted with
inadequate methodology.
Keywords: Disease progression, erythropoietin receptor, erythropoiesisstimulating
agents.
