Diagnosis and management of anaemia and iron deficiency in patients with haematological malignancies or solid tumours in France in 2009-2010: the AnemOnHe study.

Abstract Objective To describe the management of anaemia in 2009–2010 in France in patients with haematological malignancies (HM) or solid tumours (ST). Methods Retrospective observational study in 57 centres, enrolling adult patients with HM or ST treated for an episode of anaemia (duration of the episode ⩾3 months occurring in the last 12 months). Results 220 patients with ST (breast, 18%; lung, 18%) and 56 with HM (lymphoma, 60%) were included (median age, 68 years; female, 53%). Mean haemoglobin level at anaemia diagnosis was 9.3 ± 1.4 g/dL ( Conclusion Although recent guidelines recommend evaluating iron deficiency and correcting anaemia by using intravenous iron, our study in cancer patients evidenced that ESA and blood transfusions are still frequently used as the treatment of anaemia in cancer patients. Iron deficiency is insufficiently assessed (only one patient among five) and as a consequence iron deficiency is most likely insufficiently treated.