Clinical significance of cancer related anaemia

Abstract

Cancer related anaemia does have an unfauvorable impact on the functional capacity of the relevant tissue and organs. Anaemia and hypoxia worsen patient’s physical condition. The diminished capacity for physical activity has a detrimental impact on quality of life as it influenced a mental status, weaken cognitive function and lead to isolation and dicline their socioeconomic status. Anaemia causing tumour hypoxia leads to tumour progression through the increase of local tumour expansion and spreading of metastases. Tumour hypoxia directly or indirectly confer resistance to irradiation, some chemotherapeutic drugs, and photodynamic therapy. Better oxygenation can result in significant improvement of tumour response to treatment. Clinical evidence supports the need to closely monitor Hb level in cancer patients and anaemia should be corrected in order to improve chemo- and radiosensitivity and the quality of life.