Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin - Also known as EPO, erythropoietin is a protein hormone (or growth factor) produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to produce healthy red blood cells. A synthetic version of erythropoietin (known as epoetin alfa or epoetin beta) can be administered via subcutaneous (under the skin) injection for patients with unhealthy kidneys. Erythropoietin is often used to help treat anemia (low red blood cell count), which can develop from other forms of cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy).

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