Epoetin Beta in Treating Fatigue and Anemia in Patients Receiving Palliative Care for Malignant Solid Tumors

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Histologically confirmed malignant solid tumor

  • No hematologic malignancy
• Hemoglobin < 10.5 g/dL (anemic)
• Receiving palliative care only

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Life expectancy > 6 months
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• No chronic anemia requiring treatment (e.g., thalassemia or sickle cell disease)
• No uncontrolled hypertension
• No allergy to any drugs or components used in the study
• Not a prisoner or under guardianship or trusteeship
• No mental disability that impairs a clear understanding of the study requirements

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• See Disease Characteristics
• More than 2 months since prior specific anticancer therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy)
• More than 1 month since prior and no concurrent participation in another clinical trial