Chemotherapy and hemoglobin level

Patients can become anemic within the first two cycles of chemotherapy

The following data from the European Cancer Anaemia Survey show the impact of chemotherapy on Hb levels. Of 1,821 patients who began chemotherapy at Hb ≤ 12 g/dL1:

• 62% experienced a Hb decline of 1.5 g/dL

• 51% experienced a Hb decline of 2 g/dL

Percent of patients with Hb decline of 1.5 g/dL or 2 g/dL upon initiation of chemotherapy

The European Cancer Anaemia Survey (ECAS) was a large, prospective, epidemiologic, observational survey conducted in 24 countries in Europe. Anemia was defined as Hb < 12.0 g/dL based on toxicity grading criteria from the National Cancer Institute and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Chemotherapy incidence population criteria were no anemia at ECAS enrollment, no anemia treatment, and first chemotherapy during ECAS for at least 2 cycles.

Hb = hemoglobin

Reference: 1. Barrett-Lee PJ, Ludwig H, Birgegård G, et al. Oncology. 2006;70:34-48.