2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.15B.03 Pilot Web-Based Study of Functional Status and Quality of Life Benefits Associated with Darbepoetin Alfa Use in Anemic Patients with Lung Cancer

EP.15B.03 Pilot Web-Based Study of Functional Status and Quality of Life Benefits Associated with Darbepoetin Alfa Use in Anemic Patients with Lung Cancer

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The study conducted at the Norris Cotton Cancer Care Pavilion at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center explored the effects of darbepoetin alfa (DPO) on anemia in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Anemia in these patients often results from the disease itself or from myelosuppressive chemotherapy. The study aimed to evaluate the benefits of DPO, an erythropoietin-stimulating agent, which has previously shown efficacy in chemotherapy-induced anemia but has seen limited use due to potential tumor-promoting concerns. <br /><br />This open-label, single-arm pilot trial involved 29 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and varying degrees of anemia. These patients received DPO either 200mcg subcutaneously every two weeks or 300mcg every three weeks for 12 weeks. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were monitored, with dose adjustments made as necessary. The primary focus was on the time to Hb response and correction.<br /><br />Results showed that DPO increased Hb concentrations in nearly half of the participants, with significant improvements noted especially in those undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy. The data indicated an earlier and more pronounced effect in these patients by week 6. Additionally, secure web-based assessments were used to evaluate cancer-related symptoms, functional status, and quality of life, though specific results from these assessments were not detailed in the summaries.<br /><br />Ultimately, the study concluded that DPO effectively increases Hb levels in lung cancer patients with anemia. The timing and management of DPO administration were identified as crucial for optimizing its efficacy. This pilot study supports further exploration into web-based assessments and the benefits of anemic management in this patient population.

Asset Subtitle

Ivy Riano

Meta Tag

Speaker Ivy Riano

Topic Multidisciplinary Care: Nursing, Allied Health and Palliative Care

Keywords

Norris Cotton Cancer Care Pavilion

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

darbepoetin alfa

anemia

lung cancer

chemotherapy

erythropoietin-stimulating agent

non-small cell lung cancer

small cell lung cancer

hemoglobin levels