In the first meta-analysis of widely used anemia drugs, clinical trial data confirms that the risk of death among cancer patients is increased by approximately 10 percent.  The lead author, Dr. Charles L. Bennett, a professor at Northwestern University, said the study shows a statistically significant increase in the risk of death from the drugs. 

On March 13th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will convene an advisory committee meeting to discuss further restricting the use of these drugs which are used to treat anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy.  Last year, the FDA was prompted to issue stronger warnings for the drugs after a series of studies were released suggesting that the products may be worsening cancer conditions or increasing the risk of death.  Soon after, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) restricted reimbursement for the drugs.  When the advisory committee meets in mid-March, one option that will likely be discussed will be whether to limit the use of these drugs to certain types of cancer and/or populations. 

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