Biosimilar Epoetin alfa effective, less costly and approved in Europe.

This pilot study performed to evaluate efficacy of biosimilar epoetin alfa (Sandoz, Germany) for management of chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with hematological malignancies.

Out of nineteen patients analyzed (9 with CLL, 7 with myeloma, 3 with lymphoma), 12 had major response (increase of >2gm/dl) and 6 with minor response (increase of 1-2gm/dl).

Four patients transfusion-dependent at baseline, 3 of whom became transfusion-independent on biosimilar epoetin therapy.