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Increased recurrence rates in perioperatively transfused colorectal malignancy patients
Cancer Detection and Prevention
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Blood transfusions may increase cancer recurrence rates. This study found lower recurrence-free survival in patients receiving blood transfusions compared to those who did not.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Blood transfusions can alter immune responses, affecting T-cell ratios.
- A potential antirejection effect of blood transfusions is observed in renal transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between perioperative blood transfusions and tumor recurrence in colorectal cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 177 transfused and 118 untransfused patients with Dukes stages B2, C1, or C2.
- Data collected from June 1976 to July 1979.
Main Results:
- Un-transfused patients showed a 95% recurrence-free rate at 1 year versus 86% for transfused patients.
- This difference in recurrence-free survival persisted over 5 years.
- Transfused patients had lower recurrence-free rates across all pathological stages annually.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative blood transfusions are linked to an increased incidence of tumor recurrence.
- The observed increase in recurrence is independent of surgical extent or the necessity for transfusion.