Which of the following is NOT a reason for monitoring ESA therapy?

Monitoring erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy is essential due to the significant potential risks associated with its use, particularly for patients with conditions like cancer or chronic kidney disease. Each of the other options represents a known concern related to ESA therapy.

The risk of tumor progression is crucial because in patients with certain types of cancer, ESAs have been associated with an increased risk of tumor growth and progression. Monitoring helps to ensure that the benefits of the therapy outweigh the risks in these individuals.

The risk of clots, notably venous thromboembolism, is another major concern when patients are receiving ESA therapy. Since ESAs increase hemoglobin levels, this can lead to a hypercoagulable state, thereby increasing the risk for clot formation. Regular monitoring can help identify and mitigate this risk.

Additionally, ESA therapy can lead to an increase in blood pressure. This side effect necessitates careful monitoring to manage and adjust treatment as needed to prevent hypertensive complications.

On the other hand, decreased appetite is not directly associated with monitoring ESA therapy. While it might be a symptom that patients experience during their illness or as a side effect of other treatments, it is not a primary reason for the specific monitoring of ESA therapy itself. Hence,