The drug, which is used to treat the blood-disorder anemia in patients with kidney failure and those on chemotherapy, has been found to accelerate tumor growth in patients with early stage breast cancer and cervical cancer. The changes apply to Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based Amgen's Aranesp and Epogen, as well as Johnson and Johnson's Procrit.
Over the past year, there have been several reports of negative news about the drugs, which are genetically engineered versions of a protein that boosts production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. However, the problems occurred when the drug was used in large doses, which increase red blood cell levels.
There are chances that the panel could recommend to discontinue the use of the drugs in all cancer patients. However, it is highly unlikely that Amgen's Epogen would be banned as it is used by kidney failure patients on dialysis.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are approved to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney failure and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
