OBJECTIVES: To examine anaemia management in cancer patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in Europe. METHODS: Retrospective pharmacoepidemiologic study of 2192 patients from 307 centres. Minimum of 3 visits over 8-10 weeks with ESA treatment initiated at visit 1. RESULTS: Most patients were treated per guidelines, except for low iron supplementation rates. Mean Hb rose from 9.54+/-0.95 g/dl to 10.88+/-1.49 g/dl at visit 3, without concomitant rise in WHO/ECOG score. Response rates were 65.0% (Hb increase (upward arrow) > or = 1 g/dl); 54.3% (Hb increase (upward arrow) > or = 1 g/dl in 8 weeks); 38.9% (haematopoietic response); 33.7% (Hb increase (upward arrow) > or = 2 g/dl) and 18.8% (Hb between 12.0 and 12.9 g/dl) CONCLUSIONS: Treatment patterns were guideline congruent, except for (intravenous) iron supplementation. Hb increased by 1.34 g/dl. A net erythropoiesis boost of Hb > or =1 g/dl is attainable in two-thirds of patients and should be condensed to 8 weeks on an individual patient basis. Anaemia management in Europe has improved significantly. The general effectiveness and relative safety of judicious ESA treatment are evident.
