Hematopoietic Agents

Question 1

Hematopoiesis

Answer 1

bodies make RBCs, WBCs, and platelets

Biologic name
Generic name
Brand name

Question 2

Therapeutic applications:

Hematopoiesis

Answer 2

Acceleration of neutrophil and platelet repopulation after chemo

Acceleration of bone marrow recovery after an autologous bone marrow transplant

erythrocyte production in patients with chronic renal failure

Question 3

Erythropoietic growth factors

Answer 3

stimulate the production of erythrocytes (RBCs); alt to blood transfusions; risk of stroke, heart failure, blood clots, MI, hypertension, and death

erythropoietin (Epoetin alpha): IV, subQ

Question 4

Erythropoietic therapy to be effective

Answer 4

iron, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 levels need to be adequate.

Question 5

Hematocrit

Answer 5

may take 2-4 wks to recover after administration of Erythropoietic therapy

Question 6

erythropoietin (Epoetin alpha): IV, subQ

Answer 6

GRADUALLY raise hemoglobin

Increased risk of cardiac arrest, HTN, HF, and stroke/MI when patient hemoglobin is >11 gm/dL.

Question 7

Leukopoietic Growth Factors

Answer 7

Stimulates the production of WBCs
Filgrastim

elevates neutrophil counts in cancer PT; apheresis collection; treat severe chronic neutropenia

reduce infection risk for chemo

Question 8

Filgrastim

Answer 8

IV or subQ
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

Side effects:
BONE PAIN
Leukocytosis

Question 9

Thrombopoietic Growth Factor

Answer 9

stimulate platelet production in patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy for nonmyeloid cancers

Oprelvekin

Question 10

Oprelvekin

Answer 10

Administered SubQ

Should continue until platelet levels rise above 50,000/mm³

Question 11

Oprelvekin side effects

Answer 11

Fluid retention/peripheral edema
Dyspnea (48% of patients)
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Anaphylaxis