Haematologica. 2007 Apr;92(4):493-501.
A dose exploration, phase I/II study of administration of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator once every 3 weeks in anemic patients with multiple myeloma receiving chemotherapy.
Dmoszynska A,
Kloczko J,
Rokicka M,
Hellmann A,
Spicka I,
Eid JE.
Haematooncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
annadmosz@o2.pl
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (C.E.R.A.) is an innovative agent with unique erythropoietin receptor activity and a prolonged half-life, which has the potential for administration at extended dosing intervals. The objectives of this dose-finding study were to evaluate the hemoglobin (Hb) dose-response, pharmacokinetics, and safety of repeated doses of C.E.R.A. given once every 3 weeks to anemic patients with multiple myeloma (MM) receiving chemotherapy. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was an exploratory two-stage, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter study. Patients received C.E.R.A. doses of 1.0, 2.0, 3.5, 4.2, 5.0, 6.5, or 8.0 mg/kg once every 3 weeks by subcutaneous injection initially for 6 weeks, followed by a 12-week optional extension period. The primary outcome measures were the average Hb level and its change from baseline over the initial 6-week period, based on values of the slope of the linear regression analysis and the area under the curve. Rates of Hb response (defined as an increase in Hb of > or =2 g/dL without transfusion) and blood transfusion were also evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients entered the study. Dose-related increases in Hb levels were observed during the initial 6-week treatment period for C.E.R.A. doses of 1.0-4.2 mg/kg, with a similar response observed at higher doses. At least 70% of patients receiving 2.0-8.0 mg/kg of C.E.R.A. had Hb responses during the 18-week study. The elimination half-life of C.E.R.A. was found to be long (6.3-9.7 days [151.2-232.8 hours]). All doses were generally well tolerated. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Based on its unique, long elimination half-life, C.E.R.A. has been demonstrated to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment of anemia given once every 3 weeks to patients with multiple myeloma receiving chemotherapy.
PMID: 17488660 [PubMed - in process]
A dose exploration, phase I/II study of administra...[Haematologica. 2007] - PubMed Result