Anemia is a frequent complication among cancer patients, both as a result of the malignancy of the disease and the aggressiveness of the treatment. Regardless of the degree of anemia, cancer patients produce less erythropoietin (EPO) and, consequently, cannot compensate for the deficit in the production of red blood cells, a situation that can worsen in presence of inflammation or infection. In the pediatric oncology population, studies vary in relation to anemia treatment protocols, indications for starting treatment and even there is no robust evidence that treatment with erythropoiesis stimulators results in increased hemoglobin levels, even in mild and moderate anemia, with improvement in quality of life scores and fatigue. Therefore, the proposed study aims to test the efficacy and safety of erythropoietin therapy in the treatment of cancer-related anemia in children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years. As a secondary objective, to evaluate the benefit of early initiation of EPO (Hb\<12g/dL) in children undergoing chemotherapy in improving quality of life and reducing fatigue. For the evaluation of secondary outcomes, the Student's t test can be applied and analyzes of variance or covariance (ANOVA or ANCOVA) (with treatment group as a factor, and baseline hemoglobin level as a covariate) will be used to compare the outcomes of efficacy defined by variation (change) time point post versus baseline between 2 groups. Adjusted means ("least square means") with 95% CI will be reported. When applicable, secondary outcomes defined by continuous variables evaluated over time (3 or more instants) will be analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance for repeated measures
Age range
2 Years – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
hemoglobin levels
Timeframe: 12 weeks (from baseline to the level at 12 weeks)