Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility, activity, and safety of an induction dose of epoetin alpha in cancer patients with moderate or severe anemia who were receiving chemotherapy. ⋯ We conclude that a higher initial dosing of epoetin alpha appears to be an efficient schedule for treating anemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, conferring higher response rates than those seen with standard doses. Further evaluation of these and other epoetin alpha dosage regimens is warranted.