Chemotherapy-associated anemia in patients with lung cancer: an epidemiological, retrospective and multicenter study

Abstract

Aim: Providing epidemiological data and treatment of anemia in lung cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy.

Methods: Epidemiological, observational, retrospective and multicenter study carried out at 30 sites throughout Spain.

Results: The prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] level <12 g/dl) was 18.3% and the incidence 80.7%. Mean Hb levels were 13.4 g/dl (95% Cl: 13.2-13.6) and 11.5 g/dl (95% Cl: 11.3-11.7) at starting and at the end of chemotherapy, respectively. Of the 294 patients with anemia, 174 (59.2%) were treated. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were given to 90.2% patients, alone in 31.6% and combined iron in 39.7%, transfusion in 9.2% and iron and transfusion in 9.8%.

Conclusion: These results suggest an appropriate and rational use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy-associated anemia in lung cancer patients. [corrected].

Keywords: anemia; chemotherapy; erythropoietin-stimulating agents; iron; lung cancer; transfusion.