Epoetin alfa administered three times weekly (150 U/kg) or once weekly (40,000 U) results in a response rate (defined as >= 2 g/dL hemoglobin (Hb) increase or Hb >= 12 g/dL) of approximately 65% of anemic chemotherapy patients and produces a mean hemoglobin rise of 1.8 g/dL. Higher weekly dosing may result in a higher response rate and a more timely mean hemoglobin rise while remaining safe. Additionally, limited data are available to show whether epoetin alfa maintenance therapy can be administered less frequently than weekly and still maintain hemoglobin levels. This is an open label, multicenter, non-randomized study to determine the safety and effectiveness of epoetin alfa given to cancer patients receiving chemotherapy every week or every four weeks.~Patients will receive up to 12 injections of epoetin alfa 60,000 U once every week (QW) subcutaneously (under the skin) for up to 12 weeks. Once a patient's hemoglobin level (Hg) has reached a target level of 12 g/dL, they will begin the Maintenance Phase. Patients who qualify for Maintenance Phase will receive up to 6 injections of 60,000 U every other week (Q2W) epoetin alfa under the skin for up to an additional 12 weeks to maintain hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL during chemotherapy administration. Doses will be held and adjusted downward if hemoglobin level rises to >13 g/dL or if a very rapid hemoglobin response occurs (e.g., an increase of more than 1.3 g/dL in a 2-week period).~Safety evaluations include clinical laboratory tests (hemoglobin and hematocrit), vital sign measurements (blood pressure), and incidence and severity of adverse events. In addition, the incidence of anti-erythropoietin antibodies at baseline and study completion/early withdrawal will be evaluated in patients who receive multiple doses of PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa). Patients will receive up to 12 injections of 60,000 U once every week (QW) epoetin alfa subcutaneously (under the skin) for up to 12 weeks. Once a patient's hemoglobin level (Hg) has reached a target level of 12 g/dL, they will begin the Maintenance Phase. Patients who qualify for Maintenance Phase will receive up to 6 injections of 60,000 U every other week (Q2W) epoetin alfa under the skin for up to an additional 12 weeks to maintain hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL during chemotherapy administration.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of epoetin alfa at a starting dose of 60,000 Units (U) once every week (QW) to a target hemoglobin (Hb) of 12 g/dL (Initiation Phase), followed by a dose of 60,000 U once every other week (Q2W) to maintain a Hb range of 11.5 to 12.5 g/dL (Maintenance Phase) in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.