Anemija pri bolnikih z rakom

Anemia is defined as a significant reduction of the red cell mass and a corresponding decrease of the oxigen-carrying capacity of the blood. The etiology of anemia can be due to decreased red blood cell (RBC) production, increased RBC destruction and blood loss. Anemia is prevalent in 30-90 % of cancer patients with a number of factors that may contribute to its developement, most often overexpression of inflammatory cytokines accompanying malignant disease and mielosuppressive cancer treatment. Anemia in cancer patients should be identified by standard diagnostic procedures. Decision about treatment of cancer related anemia depends on the patient's symptoms, degree of anemia and the rate at which it has evolved, patient's comorbidities and the goal of cancer treatment in a certain patient. Management of anemia in cancer patients includes the transfusion of packed red blood cells and / or the administration of recombinant erythropoetin.