Overview
Anemia is a frequent complication in patients with cancer, often worsening during treatment 1. It can negatively impact physical and cognitive quality of life and may hinder the ability to undergo oncological therapy 1. Iron deficiency is the most common underlying cause of anemia in this population 1.Diagnosis
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in neoplastic disease 1.Management
Intravenous (IV) iron formulations are a safe and effective treatment option for anemia in cancer patients 1.
Studies have shown that IV iron increases hemoglobin concentration and reduces transfusion rates in patients undergoing various cancer treatments 1.
IV iron can be administered across the entire cancer treatment spectrum, from surgery to palliative care 1.
Some studies evaluated IV iron in combination with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) 1.Key Recommendations
Intravenous iron is a safe and effective treatment for anemia in patients with cancer 1. (Evidence: Strong)
Intravenous iron therapy can increase hemoglobin concentration and decrease transfusion rates in patients with cancer 1. (Evidence: Strong)
Intravenous iron can be administered throughout the cancer treatment pathway, including pre-operative, adjuvant, radiotherapy, and palliative settings 1. (Evidence: Strong)References
1 Lim J, Auerbach M, MacLean B, Al-Sharea A, Richards T. Intravenous Iron Therapy to Treat Anemia in Oncology: A Mapping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) 2023. link