Dr. Jerry Spivak* contributed to two articles which were published in Supplement 1 of the September 2009 issue of The Oncologist. The Supplement is titled “Twenty Years of Anemia Management with Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) in Nephrology and Oncology/Hematology.”

The first article, authored by Matti Aapro and Jerry Spivak*, is titled “Update on Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents and Clinical Trials in Oncology.” ¹ This review discusses where we stand today on anemia management in cancer patients and examines the balance between studies that show higher erythropoiesis-stimulating agent–associated mortality and those that do not show erythropoiesis-stimulating agent–associated mortality.²

The second article, authored by Jerry Spivak*, Pere Gascón and Heinz Ludwig, is titled “Anemia Management in Oncology and Hematology.” ³ An update on the management of anemia in oncology, the potential adverse events of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, the benefits and risks of blood transfusions, and quality of life are discussed in this paper.²

For basics about the relationship between anemia and cancer, check out NAAC’s free patient Information Handout. For more information on anemia and ESAs, read NAAC’s article ESA Drugs Treat Anemia By Stimulating Red Blood Cell Production.

*NAAC Board Member

References

1. Aapro M, Spivak JL. Update on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and clinical trials in oncology. Oncologist. 2009;14 Suppl 1:6-15. Link.
2. Twenty Years of Anemia Management with Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) in Nephrology and Oncology/Hematology. Oncologist. 2009;14 Suppl 1. Link. Accessed: September 29, 2009.
3. Spivak JL, Gascón P, Ludwig H. Anemia Management in Oncology and Hematology. Oncologist. 2009;14 Suppl 1:43-56. Link.

Last Updated: September 30, 2009