Anaemia occurs with a high prevalence in patients with cancer who are receiving aggressive chemotherapy and in those who have advanced disease. At a satellite symposium at the 10th International Congress on Anti-Cancer Treatment (ICACT) [Paris, France; January-February 2000], clinicians and researchers gathered to discuss cancer-related anaemia and the resulting symptoms of fatigue, lethargy and reduced capacity for physical activity. Research was presented indicating that treatment with epoetin alfa [recombinant human erythropoietin] improves the quality of life (QOL) of patients with cancer-related anaemia.