Treatment patterns and outcomes in the management of anaemia in cancer patients in Europe: Findings from the Anaemia Cancer Treatment (ACT) study

OBJECTIVES: To examine anaemia management in cancer patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in Europe. METHODS: Retrospective pharmacoepidemiologic study of 2192 patients from 307 centres. Minimum of 3 visits over 8-10weeks with ESA treatment initiated at visit 1. RESULTS: Most patients were treated per guidelines, except for low iron supplementation rates. Mean Hb rose from 9.54+/-0.95g/dl to 10.88+/-1.49g/dl at visit 3, without concomitant rise in WHO/ECOG score. Response rates were 65.0% (Hb increase upward arrow1g/dl); 54.3% (Hb increase upward arrow1g/dl in 8weeks); 38.9% (haematopoietic response); 33.7% (Hb increase upward arrow2g/dl) and 18.8% (Hb between12.0 and 12.9g/dl) CONCLUSIONS: Treatment patterns were guideline congruent, except for (intravenous) iron supplementation. Hb increased by 1.34g/dl. A net erythropoiesis boost of Hb1g/dl is attainable in two-thirds of patients and should be condensed to 8weeks on an individual patient basis. Anaemia management in Europe has improved significantly. The general effectiveness and relative safety of judicious ESA treatment are evident