Can anemia be treated with chemotherapy?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
For patients with moderate to severe anemia, especially those with low hemoglobin levels (e.g., hemoglobin <8 g/dL), anemia should be corrected before initiating chemotherapy, as administering chemotherapy at this stage may increase cardiac burden and the risks associated with chemotherapy. Methods to correct anemia include transfusion of packed red blood cells and the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
In general, whether a patient with anemia can undergo chemotherapy depends on the severity of the anemia. Patients with mild anemia may receive chemotherapy, whereas those with severe anemia should not.
Patients with mild anemia have hemoglobin levels slightly below the normal range, but this typically does not significantly affect their overall health or physical function. In such cases, if the physician determines that chemotherapy is a necessary treatment and the patient's general health condition permits, chemotherapy may be administered.
For patients with severe anemia, especially when hemoglobin levels are very low (e.g., <8 g/dL), anemia should usually be corrected before initiating chemotherapy. Administering chemotherapy under such conditions may increase cardiac workload and elevate the risks associated with treatment. Methods to correct anemia include red blood cell transfusions and the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
During chemotherapy, close monitoring of the patient's cardiac and pulmonary function is essential to prevent increased cardiac load and cardiovascular events caused by the treatment.
