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 0.60 g/dL increase in Hb at month 4 (R² = 0.40) and 0.56 g/dL increase in Hb change from month 1-4 (R² = 0.33). Each one-point increase in CS increased the odds of reaching Hb ≥ 11 g/dL by 3.14 (R² = 0.42) and Hb ≥ 12 g/dL by 2.77 (R² = 0.45). Conclusion: Guideline-adherent EP treatment may improve Hb outcomes but specifically designed outcomes studies are necessary.