Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose treatment in cancer patients.

e21597Background: Iron deficiency (ID) and anemia are frequent comorbidities in patients with a variety of cancers. The negative impact of anemia on physical performance and anti-tumor therapy is well known. Administration of intravenous (IV) iron is a therapeutic option in cancer patients with iron-deficiency related anemia. This study evaluated data on the effectiveness and tolerability of ferric carboxymaltose in cancer patients with iron deficiency anemia. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study of 134 patients who were treated for anemia and iron-deficiency in cancer patient population from October 2014 to December 2015. They received one dose of ferric carboxymaltose between 500-2000 mg verified by serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSA). Results: The median age in this population was 58 (23-90) years, and 52% were male. Of 134 patients, 53.7% (n = 72) had gastrointestinal malignancies and 42.5% (n = 57) had metastatic disease. Most patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy...