Red cell growth factors in patients with chronic anemias

Erythropoetin therapy has been approved for treatment of medical anemia since 1989. The adoption of this strategy has been rapid in some settings (e.g., renal failure patients) and progressive in others (e.g., cancer patients). Although the risks of blood transfusion have declined substantially, risks associated with (untreated) anemia have undergone new scrutiny. Options such as novel erythropoiesis-stimulating protein bring new alternatives to blood transfusion. Erythropoietin therapy is undergoing renewed scrutiny in the management of anemia, not only because of traditional concerns regarding blood risks but because emerging evidence suggests that improved patient outcomes result from management of anemia.