Recombinant human erythropoietin in treatment of the cancer patients with anemia: hopes and threats

Abstract

The article is a summary of the current knowledge on the role of human recombinant erythropoietin in treatment of cancer patients with anemia. The molecular mechanism of erythropoietin action in cancer cells, as well as the latest recommendations of the scientifc societies on the use of recombinant human erythropoietin in cancer patients are presented. We also discuss results of the clinical trials demonstrating the potential negative impact of recombinant human erythropoietin on survival in cancer patients.