Caution concerning erythropoietin, or Epo

In the business section of the New York Times today there is an article concerning the use of the various versions of erythropoietin (epo) drugs (procrit, eprex, neorecormon, epogin, cera, etc.) to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy. Some experts (and various trials) are suggesting that epo drugs may serve as a growth factor for tumors (head and neck, in particular). In addition, there is a concern that the drugs may create a higher risk of heart problems. "The Food and Drug Administration is planning to convene an advisory committee meeting to review the products, Dr. Richard Pazdur, the agency's director for cancer drugs, said in an email message last week alerting cancer doctors to the new findings."

I am not trying to scare anyone, or play doctor, but I thought I should share this with those of you who are very proactive regarding your treatments. You can read the article yourselves by going to the New York Times website. The article is in the business section.