ANEMIA OF CANCER

Introduction and objective: Anemia is the most common hematologic disorder in patients with cancer. Cancer can interfere with anemia due to direct effects of the cancer cells in the body, or as a result of biologically active products of the cancer cells or is a consequence of the treatment of cancer. Tumors can produce cytokines and therefore induce iron sequestration and decrease red blood cell production. The correlation between cancer and anemia, particularly the chemotherapy induced anemia. Methods: Quantitative data analysis of 100 patients, aged 45-65years with cancer receiving chemotherapy. We extract age, sex, type of cancer, hemoglobin values and comorbidity. All patients had a follow up during a six months period. Results and Conclusions: The incidence of anemia (hemoglobin below 12g/dl) and her severity (grades 2 and 3) increases from 20% at patients receiving cycle one of chemotherapy to 50% at patients receiving cycle five of chemotherapy. Mild degree anemia (grade 1 and 2) was present at 66% of patients, while moderate and severe anemia (grade 3 and 4) was detected at 34% of patients. At some point, 50% of all patients developed chemotherapy induced anemia. The type of cancer present, the underling comorbidity and the treatment itself may act independently or interact to result in anemia. Chemotherapy induced anemia is a result of myelosuppressive cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic regimens. The management of anemia is based on assessment of individual patient characteristics, severity of anemia and underling comorbidity, in order to enhance a better outcome and quality of life.