Evaluating the safety and use of erythropoietin among cancer patients in the VA medical systemThis agreement provides funding to the Veterans Administration (VA) to work toward evaluating the safety and use of erythropoietin among cancer patients in the VA medical system. Project goals include: (1) How has recent regulatory actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration impacted the use of Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESA) among cancer patients undergoing treatment at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)? (2) Have changes in the use of ESAs impacted how cancer patients are being treated; particularly the use of aggressive chemotherapy regimens? (3) At the systems or population level, have there been significant changes in the incidence of venous thromboembolism, the incidence of blood transfusions for anemia, rates of hospitalizations, and survival rates?
