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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anaemia is a common problem in patients with solid tumors and haematological malignancies. Certain cancer therapies also contribute to anaemia. This article reviews the pathophysiology of cancer-related anaemia, investigation of a cancer patient with anaemia as well as how anaemia impacts patients in terms of quality of life, disease-related outcomes and treatment choices. RECENT FINDINGS: Different treatments for anaemia include transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) and iron therapy. Within this context, we review the advantages and disadvantages concerning anaemia management in cancer patients as well as the risk-benefit ratio of different treatment choices, particularly the increased risk of thromboembolic events of ESAs and concern around mortality and effect on tumor growth. SUMMARY: This review is aimed at guiding treating physicians to make the best evidence-based treatment choices according to the product label and according to current guidelines for patients with cancer-related anaemia.
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Eeden et al. (2016) studied this question.
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