Factors Potentially Associated with Chemotherapy-induced Anemia in Patients with Solid Cancers

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) is one of the most important causes of anemia in cancerpatients. This study was conducted to describe the prevalence and characteristics of CIA in solid cancer patientsin the Chinese population, and to explore the relationship of white blood cell (WBC) or platelet decrease withCIA.
Methods: Data on age, gender, tumor diagnosis, anti-cancer treatment and blood cell analyses were availablefrom 220 untreated non-anemic cancer patients who received at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy, and the data wereanalyzed to assess their relationship with CIA or its severity.
Results: 139 patients (63.2%) presented anemia,most being Grade 1 or 2. Esophageal and lung cancers were associated with a high prevalence. G3/4 leucopeniaand decrease of platelets were identified as independent risk factors for the occurrence of CIA. Moreover, G3/4leucopenia, decrease of platelet and G3/4 thrombocytopenia were found to be also associated with the severity ofCIA. Cisplatin-containing regimens were a main potential factor in causing CIA, although significant associationwas only found on univariate analysis.
Conclusion: Anemia or decrease in hematoglobin are common in Chinesecancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Cisplatin-containing regimens might be an important factor influencingthe occurrence of CIA. Our analysis firstly described some risk factors, such as decrease of platelets or WBCs,severity of leucopenia or thrombocytopenia, associated with the occurrence and severity of CIA.