Authors: Nayak-Rao S, McCormick B
Abstract
Erythropoietin (Epo) has long been known to be the principal hematopoietic growth factor that regulates cellular proliferation and differentiation of the erythroid lineage. Recombinant Epo (rEpo) is frequently used in the prevention and treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in the treatment of anemia associated with cancer. The expression of the Epo receptor (EpoR) in certain cancer cells has raised the possibility that exogenous rEpo may have direct effects on tumor cells with potential for stimulation of proliferation and resistance to chemotherapy and possibly metastasis. With recent clinical trials reporting negative outcomes with rEpo in the treatment of cancer-related anemia, with increased 
mortality in those who...