Efficacy of darbepoetin alfa in colorectal cancer patients: Data from the CHOICE study.

552 Background: To evaluate adherence to hemoglobin (Hb) values recommended by the updated European (EU) product label for darbepoetin alfa (DA) and describe hematological response in patients (pts) receiving DA for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in clinical practice. Data of colorectal cancer (CRC) pts are reported. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, observational study assessed DA use in CRC, breast, ovarian and lung cancer pts in 11 EU countries. Data (such as Hb levels and need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions) were extracted from medical records on an electronic case report form. Results: This interim analysis included 1,290 pts. 192 pts had CRC: 1% had stage I, 6% stage II, 18% stage III and 75% stage IV cancer. The most-used chemotherapy regimens were 5-fluoruracil or capecitabine (33%), ironotecan- (27%) and oxaliplatin-based (24%). Baseline (BL) Hb values were available for 189 pts; the mean (standard deviation, SD) Hb value at BL was 9.8 (0.8) g/dL; 60% of CRC pts had BL Hb ...