Managing cancer-related anaemia in congruence with the EORTC guidelines is an independent predictor of haemoglobin outcome: initial evidence from the RESPOND study.

PURPOSE: To model the relationship between scores for practicing in congruence (CSs; 0-10) with EORTC guidelines for erythropoietic proteins (EPs) and haemoglobin (Hb) outcomes observed in the validation study of the RESPOND system. METHODS: Thirty four patient pairs matched on cancer type and chemotherapy in pre- (retrospective; clinicians not using RESPOND) and post-cohorts (prospective; clinicians using RESPOND) followed over 4 months following EP treatment initiation. CSs quantify the extent that care was guideline-adherent. Linear and logistic regressions controlling for cohort examined Hb outcomes as a function of CSs. RESULTS: A one-point increase in CS was associated with 0.60g/dL increase in Hb at month 4 (R(2)=0.40) and 0.56g/dL increase in Hb change from month 1-4 (R(2)=0.33). Each one-point increase in CS increased the odds of reaching Hb>or=11g/dL by 3.14 (R(2)=0.42) and Hb>or=12g/dL by 2.77 (R(2)=0.45). CONCLUSION: Guideline-adherent EP treatment may improve Hb outcomes but specifically designed outcomes studies are necessary.