Erythropoietin Treatment Of Idiopathic Myelofibrosis

Background. In order to determine whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) may play a role in treating anemia in idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF), a pilot study using high doses of rHuEPO- was conducted on patients with IMF. Methods and results. From September, 1990 to December, 1992, 7 patients (6 males and 1 female, median age 68 years) affected by IMF entered the trial. RHuEPO was administered subcutaneously 5 days a week at a dosage of 160 U/kg daily for three months. Out of 7 patients, 4 obtained a response. These responders received additional maintenance treatment with rHuEPO until relapse. Response duration was 6, 7, 10+, and 16 months, respectively. Treatment was well-tolerated. Conclusions. Our data suggest that rHuEPO may play a role in the treatment of anemia in some IMF patients.