Successful implementation of pharmacy-driven darbepoetin alfa guidelines for treatment of chemotheraphy-related anemia at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington and Harborview Medical Centers

Garrison et al describe the process by which multidisciplinary, institutional darbepoetin alfa pharmacy guidelines were implemented. They also provide preliminary analysis of: Change in hemoglobin concentration, proportion of patients achieving a hemoglobin response, time to hemoglobin response, and cost savings to institution. Preliminary results indicate efficacy darbepoetin alfa when administered in doses of 200 micrograms Q2W.