The February issue of JAMA released a report showing a positive correlation between a class of drugs called ertyhropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and blood clots that are deep in the leg veins - venous thromboembolism (VTE).

ESAs are currently commonly used to treat anemia in cancer patients, and while some previous studies have shown that there might be a link between the drug and deep vein thrombosis, this is one of the first studies to show an increase in death rates.
Three trials were conducted of this drug to associate VTE with death rates among patients. 13,611 patients were examined in 51 different clinical trials and the analysis of the data shows an increased death rate among the patients who were treated with ESA when compared against the control group. Venus thromboembolism was evaluated for 38 trials and the researchers found an increased risk of VTE among the patients that were treated with ESA versus the control group.
The authors wrote, “These risks are important given the prevalence of ESA use as a supportive care drug among patients with cancer as well as the dissemination of a series of safety advisors by the Food and Drug Administration and ESA manufacturers”.
This study provides a foundation to evaluate additional drugs to treat anemia in cancer patients.

Source: JAMA