Anemia in Cancer: Some Pathophysiological Aspects

Oncologist - Tập 8 Số S1 - Trang 19-21 - 2003
Mario Dicato1
1Haematology-Oncology, Luxembourg Medical Center, Luxembourg

Tóm tắt

Abstract Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to:

Recognize the causes of anemia in cancer patients. Describe ways in which the action of erythropoietin is regulated. Explain the methods for treating anemia and indications for treatment.

Access and take the CME test online and receive one hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

More than 30% of cancer patients experience anemia and its side effect, fatigue. Its causes can be numerous, but anemia is usually secondary to an imbalance of cytokines. Among these, tumor necrosis factor-alpha seems to be the major culprit, creating anemia by blunting the physiological effect of erythropoietin. Pharmacologically increasing the erythropoietin level corrects the anemia in about half the treated patients. Several studies have shown that quality of life is substantially improved through such therapy.

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Tài liệu tham khảo

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