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Red cell distribution width and cancer.

Martina Montagnana¹, Elisa Danese¹

¹Clinical Biochemistry Section, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy.

Annals of Translational Medicine

|November 22, 2016

Summary

Red cell distribution width (RDW), a marker of red blood cell production and survival, is a significant predictor of mortality. Emerging research suggests RDW may also offer prognostic value in cancer patients.

Area of Science:

Hematology
Oncology
Clinical Pathology

Background:

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of red blood cell size variation, reflecting erythropoiesis and survival.
RDW is established as an independent risk factor for mortality in the general population and is studied in cardiovascular disorders.
Limited research exists on RDW's role in oncology, with no comprehensive reviews available.

Approach:

This narrative review summarizes existing studies on RDW in patients with solid and hematological tumors.
The review focuses on preliminary findings and potential prognostic implications of RDW in cancer.
The aim is to consolidate current knowledge in this under-researched area.

Key Points:

RDW is associated with impaired red blood cell production and survival.

Keywords:

Cancer prognosis red cell distribution width (RDW)

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RDW is a significant independent predictor of mortality across diverse populations.

Studies indicate RDW's potential role in cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases.

Conclusions:

Preliminary findings suggest RDW may provide additional prognostic information in oncologic patients.
Further large-scale studies are required to validate these findings and generalize RDW's utility in cancer care.
RDW presents a simple, inexpensive parameter with potential value in cancer prognosis.