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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-ND 4.0Molecular Medicine Reports

Erythropoietin beyond red blood cells: Systemic and oncological functions (Review)

  • Kristína Danková1
  • Zuzana Solárová2
  • Pavol Harvanik1
  • Martina Šemeláková1
  • Peter Solár1
  1. 1Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
  2. 2Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
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Abstract

Erythropoietin (Epo) is widely recognized as the primary regulator of haematopoiesis, managing red blood cell production via erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) expressed on erythroid progenitors. Beyond erythropoiesis, Epo functions as a pleiotropic cytokine, exhibiting marked tissue-protective effects across various non-haematopoietic systems, including neuroprotection, cardioprotection, anti-inflammatory effects and promotion of angiogenesis. Clinically, recombinant Epo is widely used to alleviate cancer-related anaemia and improve haemoglobin levels. However, the presence of EPOR in malignant tissues may directly influence tumour progression or angiogenesis. The aim of the present review is to summarize current knowledge on Epo signalling across multiple organ systems, to discuss the possible applications of Epo derivatives, and to refer to emerging evidence suggesting that Epo may affect tumour biology and modulate the efficacy of chemotherapy. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging therapeutic concepts involving Epo derivatives, while emphasizing that most non-haematopoietic applications remain under preclinical or early clinical investigation.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{dankova2026erythropoietin,
  title = {{Erythropoietin beyond red blood cells: Systemic and oncological functions (Review)}},
  author = {Kristína Danková and Zuzana Solárová and Pavol Harvanik and Martina Šemeláková and Peter Solár},
  journal = {Molecular Medicine Reports},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.3892/mmr.2026.14050},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2026.14050},
  note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Erythropoietin beyond red blood cells: Systemic and oncological functions (Review)
AU  - Kristína Danková
AU  - Zuzana Solárová
AU  - Pavol Harvanik
AU  - Martina Šemeláková
AU  - Peter Solár
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/22
JO  - Molecular Medicine Reports
DO  - 10.3892/mmr.2026.14050
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2026.14050
AB  - Erythropoietin (Epo) is widely recognized as the primary regulator of haematopoiesis, managing red blood cell production via erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) expressed on erythroid progenitors. Beyond erythropoiesis, Epo functions as a pleiotropic cytokine, exhibiting marked tissue-protective effects across various non-haematopoietic systems, including neuroprotection, cardioprotection, anti-inflammatory effects and promotion of angiogenesis. Clinically, recombinant Epo is widely used to alleviate cancer-related anaemia and improve haemoglobin levels. However, the presence of EPOR in malignant tissues may directly influence tumour progression or angiogenesis. The aim of the present review is to summarize current knowledge on Epo signalling across multiple organ systems, to discuss the possible applications of Epo derivatives, and to refer to emerging evidence suggesting that Epo may affect tumour biology and modulate the efficacy of chemotherapy. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging therapeutic concepts involving Epo derivatives, while emphasizing that most non-haematopoietic applications remain under preclinical or early clinical investigation.
SN  - 1791-2997
SN  - 1791-3004
ER  -