Original Article
Efficacy of Darbepoetin Alfa in Alleviating Fatigue and the Effect of Fatigue on Quality of Life in Anemic Patients with Lymphoproliferative Malignancies

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2005.08.013Get rights and content
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Abstract

Anemia-related fatigue in cancer patients reduces health-related quality of life (HRQOL). These analyses evaluate the effect of hemoglobin level on fatigue and examine the relationship between improved fatigue and HRQOL. Data were collected during a multicenter, randomized trial involving 344 anemic patients with lymphoproliferative malignancies receiving chemotherapy and darbepoetin alfa or placebo. At baseline, interim study visits, and end of treatment, patients completed an HRQOL questionnaire. Improved hemoglobin levels were significantly associated (P < 0.001) with improved fatigue. Mean change in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) Fatigue score was 5.9 points greater when hemoglobin improved >2 g/dl than when it declined. Patients experiencing a clinically meaningful improvement in fatigue reported significantly (P < 0.001) greater improvements in all other scales, except the FACT Social subscale. Managing anemia-related fatigue appears to have a positive impact on HRQOL, enhancing cancer patients' activity levels, mood, and perceived overall health.

Key Words

Quality of life
fatigue
anemia
lymphoproliferative malignancies
darbepoetin alfa

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This work was supported by Amgen, Inc.

Timothy J. Littlewood, MD has received remuneration from Amgen, Ortho Biotech, and Roche Pharmaceuticals for giving lectures and providing advice at advisory boards on erythropoietic agents.

Joel Kallich and Lisa Hendricks are employees of Amgen, Inc.