Early intervention with epoetin beta prevents severe anaemia in patients with solid tumours receiving platinum-based chemotherapy : results of the neoprevent study

Anaemia is common during platinum-based chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of epoetin beta in the prevention of severe anaemia in patients with solid tumours receiving concomitant platinum therapy. In this open-label, single-arm study, patients (n = 255) with solid tumours and haemoglobin (Hb) levels 1 g/dl of baseline within 4 weeks of treatment initiation. Mean Hb levels had improved from 10.8 +/- 1.0 g/dl at baseline to 12.2 +/- 1.8 g/dl by the final visit. Quality of life measured by linear analogue scale assessment significantly (P < 0.01) improved in patients achieving a Hb response (n = 159). Epoetin beta effectively prevents anaemia in most patients with solid tumours receiving concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy.