Does EPO cause cancer?

Does EPO cause cancer?

Summary: Researchers have demonstrated that a growth hormone, PDGF-BB, and the blood protein EPO are involved in the development of cancer tumors and that they combine to help the tumors proliferate in the body.

What is EPO cancer?

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a frequently prescribed drug for treatment of cancer-related and chemotherapy-induced anemia in cancer patients. Paradoxically, recent preclinical and clinical studies indicate that EPO could potentially accelerate tumor growth and jeopardize survival in cancer patients.

Why do cancer patients use EPO?

Administration of recombinant human Epo has been shown to increase hemoglobin levels, improve hematocrit, reduce blood transfusion requirements, and enhance the quality of life of cancer patients suffering from anemia.

Why is EPO used during chemotherapy?

Weekly epoetin alfa maintains hemoglobin, improves quality of life, and reduces transfusion in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol 2005; 23:2597.

Is erythropoietin a chemotherapy?

Its etiology is multifactorial and its severity depends on patient characteristics, type and stage of neoplasia, type of used chemotherapy. Erythropoietin can be effective by counteracting two of the main causes of anemia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: 1.

Is EPO used in cancer treatment?

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a frequently prescribed drug for treatment of cancer-related and chemotherapy-induced anemia in cancer patients. Paradoxically, recent preclinical and clinical studies indicate that EPO could potentially accelerate tumor growth and jeopardize survival in cancer patients.

What kind of tumors release erythropoietin?

Malignant and benign tumors that secrete EPO have been observed in patients with renal carcinomas, cerebellar hemangioblastomas, adrenal carcinomas, adrenal adenomas, hepatomas, and uterine leiomyomas.

Why is EPO banned?

The drug erythropoietin, often called EPO, is banned from sports because it is believed to enhance an athlete's performance and give people who use it an unfair advantage over unenhanced competitors. ... EPO thickens a person's blood, which can lead to an increased risk of clots.

What are the side effects of EPO?

Common side effects

• Allergic reaction. Rarely, some people have an allergic reaction to erythropoietin. ...
• Feeling sick or being sick. You may feel sick during treatment with erythropoietin. ...
• Diarrhoea. ...
• Blood clot risk. ...
• Headaches. ...
• High blood pressure. ...
• Muscle, joint or bone pain. ...
• Flu-like symptoms.

Does EPO have side effects?

Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, ...

Why is erythropoietin made in the kidney?

• The kidney cells that make erythropoietin are sensitive to low oxygen levels in the blood that travels through the kidney. These cells make and release erythropoietin when the oxygen level is too low. A low oxygen level may indicate a diminished number of red blood cells ( anemia ), or hemoglobin molecules that carry oxygen through the body.

What is erythropoietin level test for polycythemia vera?

• What is erythropoietin level test for polycythemia vera? This quick blood test looks for erythropoietin, a hormone that tells your bone marrow to make new blood cells. A low level is often a sign of polycythemia vera. The doctor will draw blood from your arm. You should get results in two to three days, but your lab may take longer.

What is the function of erythropoietin?

• Erythropoietin is a vital hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to create red blood cells in the body. These red blood cells help carry oxygen to other cells and tissues in the body through the bloodstream. Having too much or too little erythropoietin in the body may contribute to problems with the blood.