Predefined subgroup analyses in patients with an initiation Hb level corresponding to the current EORTC treatment guidelines (i.e., Hb⩽11 g dl−1) confirm the safety of epoetin-β in the treatment of anaemia in patients with metastatic cancers receiving concurrent chemotherapy when used within its licensed indication. The gene discussed is GSTM1; the disease is metastatic malignant neoplasm.