New Insights Into Erythropoietin and Epoetin Alfa: Mechanisms of Action, Target Tissues, and Clinical Applications

New Insights Into Erythropoietin and Epoetin Alfa: Mechanisms of Action, Target Tissues, and Clinical Applications Mitchell J. Weiss Oncologist 2003; 8(Suppl 3): 18-29 Author Information and Disclosures Target Audience: Physicians who wish to advance their current knowledge of clinical cancer medicine in clinical pharmacology and are involved in providing patient care in a cancer care environment. Method of Physician Participation: Read course materials, complete course quiz and evaluation form (optional). Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Discuss the mechanism of action of endogenous erythropoietin and the therapeutic use of epoetin alfa to stimulate red blood cell production and improve the quality of life in patients with cancer. Explain how epoetin alfa is being investigated in alternate dosing regimens and for anemia prevention in patients with cancer. Describe how functional endogenous erythropoietin receptor signaling pathways have been demonstrated in numerous nonerythropoietic tissues, including in the central nervous system, and relate evidence for the roles of erythropoietin and epoetin alfa beyond erythropoiesis, including the therapeutic implications of these nonerythroid functions. The NIH/FAES designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Click Here to return to the complete course listing of Penetrating Insights: Crossing the Cancer Cell Membrane to Improve Clinical Outcomes.

CME Activity Information Accreditation CME Instructions For Credit Privacy Statement Hardware/Software Requirements Release Date: Dec. 12, 2003 Most Recent Review: June 10, 2005* Most Recent Update: Dec. 12, 2003 Date Credit Expires: Apr. 10, 2007 Time to Complete: 1 hour Medium: Internet Online *Click here to learn more about our review process.