More Action Possible Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents: US FDA

In the studies, researchers used Amgen's Aranesp or J&J's Procrit to increase patients' hemoglobin to 12 g/dL or higher, although many patients did not reach that level. Current warnings on the drugs say hemoglobin levels should not rise above 12 for patients with cancer. Amgen said on Thursday it was working with the FDA on updates to the anemia drug labels because the company was "concerned about patient safety."

In the studies, researchers used Amgen's Aranesp or J&J's Procrit to increase patients' hemoglobin to 12 g/dL or higher, although many patients did not reach that level. Current warnings on the drugs say hemoglobin levels should not rise above 12 for patients with cancer.
The FDA said the studies found patients with breast or advanced cervical cancer who were treated with the medications died sooner, or had more rapid tumor growth, than similar patients who were not given the drugs.