|
|
||||||||
CONCISE REVIEW |
a Haematology,
b Nephrology, and
c Oncology, Cancer Research Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Key Words. Anemia • Drug target • Erythropoietin receptor • Pleiotropic effects • Quality of life • Recombinant human erythropoietin
Terence R. Lappin, Ph.D., Department of Haematology, Cancer Research Centre, Queens University, Belfast, University Floor, Tower Block, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT7 9AB, Northern Ireland. Telephone: 44-2890-329241, ext 2013; Fax: 44-2890-263927; e-mail: t.lappin{at}qub.ac.uk
Many cancer patients suffer from anemia, which has a major detrimental effect on their quality of life. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is now widely used in cancer patients, as it improves hematocrit, lowers blood transfusion requirements, and improves quality of life. Recent research indicates that EPO has pleiotropic effects on the body well beyond the maintenance of red cell mass, but the mechanisms involved in relieving fatigue and improving quality of life in cancer patients are poorly understood. EPO receptors (EPO-Rs) have been detected in many different cells and tissues, providing evidence for autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine functions of EPO. Apart from its endocrine function, EPO may have a generalized role as an antiapoptotic agent that is associated with enhancement of muscle tone, mucosal status, and gonadal and cognitive function. The recent discovery of EPO-Rs in breast tumor vasculature, while raising important questions about the possible effects of pharmacological doses of rHuEPO on tumor cells, also suggests that the receptors could provide a useful target for drugs attached to EPO.
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
I. B. Copland, E. M. Jolicoeur, M.-A. Gillis, J. Cuerquis, N. Eliopoulos, B. Annabi, A. Calderone, J.-F. Tanguay, A. Ducharme, and J. Galipeau Coupling erythropoietin secretion to mesenchymal stromal cells enhances their regenerative properties Cardiovasc Res, August 1, 2008; 79(3): 405 - 415. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Mannello and G. A. M. Tonti Erythropoietin and Its Receptor in Breast Cancer: Putting Together the Pieces of the Puzzle Oncologist, July 1, 2008; 13(7): 761 - 768. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. R. Lappin, A. P. Maxwell, and P. G. Johnston Warning Flags for Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents and Cancer-Associated Anemia Oncologist, April 1, 2007; 12(4): 362 - 365. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
L. Zhong, J. Bradley, W. Schubert, E. Ahmed, A. P. Adamis, D. T. Shima, G. S. Robinson, and Y.-S. Ng Erythropoietin Promotes Survival of Retinal Ganglion Cells in DBA/2J Glaucoma Mice Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., March 1, 2007; 48(3): 1212 - 1218. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M. J. LeBaron, T. J. Ahonen, M. T. Nevalainen, and H. Rui In Vivo Response-Based Identification of Direct Hormone Target Cell Populations Using High-Density Tissue Arrays Endocrinology, March 1, 2007; 148(3): 989 - 1008. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K. Heinicke, O. Baum, O. O. Ogunshola, J. Vogel, T. Stallmach, D. P. Wolfer, S. Keller, K. Weber, P. D. Wagner, M. Gassmann, et al. Excessive erythrocytosis in adult mice overexpressing erythropoietin leads to hepatic, renal, neuronal, and muscular degeneration Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol, October 1, 2006; 291(4): R947 - R956. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
N. Eliopoulos, R. F. Gagnon, M. Francois, and J. Galipeau Erythropoietin Delivery by Genetically Engineered Bone Marrow Stromal Cells for Correction of Anemia in Mice with Chronic Renal Failure J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., June 1, 2006; 17(6): 1576 - 1584. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
Y. Aizawa, N. Nogawa, N. Kosaka, Y. Maeda, T. Watanabe, H. Miyazaki, and T. Kato Expression of Erythropoietin Receptor-Like Molecule in Xenopus laevis and Erythrocytopenia upon Administration of Its Recombinant Soluble Form J. Biochem., August 1, 2005; 138(2): 167 - 175. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. Farrell and A. Lee The Erythropoietin Receptor and Its Expression in Tumor Cells and Other Tissues Oncologist, November 1, 2004; 9(suppl_5): 18 - 30. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
K. Blackwell, P. Gascon, G. Sigounas, and L. Jolliffe rHuEPO and Improved Treatment Outcomes: Potential Modes of Action Oncologist, November 1, 2004; 9(suppl_5): 41 - 47. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. H. Bahlmann, R. Song, S. M. Boehm, M. Mengel, R. von Wasielewski, C. Lindschau, T. Kirsch, K. de Groot, R. Laudeley, E. Niemczyk, et al. Low-Dose Therapy With the Long-Acting Erythropoietin Analogue Darbepoetin Alpha Persistently Activates Endothelial Akt and Attenuates Progressive Organ Failure Circulation, August 24, 2004; 110(8): 1006 - 1012. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D. H. Henry The Evolving Role of Epoetin Alfa in Cancer Therapy Oncologist, February 1, 2004; 9(1): 97 - 107. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
F. H. Bahlmann, K. de Groot, H. Haller, and D. Fliser Erythropoietin: is it more than correcting anaemia? Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., January 1, 2004; 19(1): 20 - 22. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
P. Maxwell HIF-1: An Oxygen Response System with Special Relevance to the Kidney J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., November 1, 2003; 14(11): 2712 - 2722. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
T. Lappin The Cellular Biology of Erythropoietin Receptors Oncologist, February 1, 2003; 8(90001): 15 - 18. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| STEM CELLS | THE ONCOLOGIST | CME | ALPHAMED PRESS JOURNALS |
