Randomized study of early intervention compared to standard intervention with darbepoetin-alpha (DA) for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) in early stage breast cancer (ESBC)
19538 Background: Dose dense chemotherapy (DDC) with sequential doxorubicin/ cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel Q 14 days has an established place in the treatment of ESBC. However, moderate/severe CIA is a common consequence and therapeutic intervention is frequent. We sought to determine if early intervention at the onset of anemia with DA could reduce the emergence of more severe anemia during therapy and maintain quality of life compared to later intervention. Material and Methods: Non-iron deficient (ferritin > 50) patients (pts) with hemoglobin (Hb) levels >11.0 g/dl scheduled to receive adjuvant or neoadjuvant DDC for ESBC were recruited. Pts were randomly assigned prior to chemotherapy to initiate treatment with DA 200 μg q2w SQ when Hb < 11.5 g/dl (early intervention, EARLY), or DA 200 μg q2w SQ when Hb < 10.0 g/dl (standard intervention, STD) with end of treatment defined as 14 days after the last cycle of chemotherapy. Dose escalation for inadequate response of < 1 g/dl after 6 weeks of DA and dose withholding/reduction for Hb >13 g/dl were pre-specified. Results: The complete sample of 149 pts have been accrued (median age of 53.1, range 28.7 - 74.5). Analysis of fatigue ratings show a trend towards lower fatigue scores in EARLY at Hb nadir, and at end of study,(ANOVA, Group x Time interaction, p=.07). Discussion: Early intervention with DA significantly reduces the risk of developing moderate/severe CIA and increases time spent in the target range during DDC for ESBC. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.