What are pros cons of drug procrit (epoetin alfa) to treat 88 year-old man whose chronic leukemia is now becoming acute where he needs transfusions every two weeks?

Leukemia: This is a difficult dilemma answer even knowing all the facts, which we don't have in this forum. If the treatment side effects are mild and would help prevent the patient from having a routine blood transfusions then obviously this might be the better choice. Any treatment decisions would of course be that of the patient. A family meeting with the attending physician and the patient might be a good way to solve this issue.

Limited value: Procrit (epoetin alfa) is commonly used in patients with cancer. But it is not always effective as it helps to raise red cell counts(hb) in most pateints but takes 4-6 weeks before it has any visible benefit.. A patient with acute leukemia has more urgent needs which are best met with a blood transfusion as needed. But his age is against him to achieve much benefit from anything further that can be done for him.