[Anemia induced by solid tumor chemotherapy]

Cancer patients frequently experience anemia as a complication of chemotherapy. Recent advances in assessing the relationships between anemia, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in such patients have resulted in a new multidimensional perspective of these parameters. Clinical data suggest that even a mild-to-moderate chemotherapy-induced anemia results in a significant reduction in a patient's energy level and QOL. As recombinant human erythropoetin has recently become available for the treatment of this condition, we performed a review of the incidence and severity of anemia associated with commonly employed chemotherapy regimens in the major non-hematologic malignancies. Although evident flaws in the grading and reporting of treatment-related anemia have limited analysis, the results clearly indicate a relatively high incidence of mild-to-moderate anemia. Research in progress is likely to result in a new classification of chemotherapy-induced anemia that can guide therapeutic interventions on the basis of outcomes and hemoglobin levels. The once widespread belief that lesser degrees of anemia must be endured without treatment may be overcome as greater emphasis is placed on the QOL of the oncology patient. Further insights into the relationships between hemoglobin levels, patient well-being and symptoms may lead to a refinement of current strategies of approaching the treatment of anemia.