What to do if hemoglobin levels drop during chemotherapy
Disease description:
My grandfather has cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy. Recently, after chemotherapy, it was found that his hemoglobin levels dropped. I would like to ask, what should be done if hemoglobin levels decrease following chemotherapy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
A decrease in hemoglobin after chemotherapy requires appropriate measures depending on the specific situation:
1. Assess the degree of decline: If the reduction is mild and there are no obvious symptoms, continuing chemotherapy along with hematinic medications may be considered.
2. Nutritional supplementation: Eat more foods rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, such as lean meat, animal liver, jujube dates, milk, eggs, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits.
3. Pharmacological treatment: For iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplements may be administered; for megaloblastic anemia, supplementation with folic acid or vitamin B12 is appropriate.
4. Hold chemotherapy: If hemoglobin levels drop significantly or the patient cannot tolerate chemotherapy, chemotherapy should be paused, and a decision made after observation.
5. Blood transfusion: If hemoglobin levels are extremely low (e.g., below 60 g/L) and accompanied by severe hypoxia symptoms, blood transfusion therapy may be considered.
