Intravenous Iron as an Alternative to Blood Transfusion in Cancer Patients: A Single Center Experience.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron in improving anemia and reducing transfusion requirements in cancer patients, particularly those receiving supportive care alone.
Results Summary
IV iron significantly increased hemoglobin levels (from 7.6 g/dL to 9.3 g/dL by day 60) and reduced transfusion requirements by 55% overall (62% in supportive care patients), with minimal adverse reactions (1.1%).
Population
Cancer patients receiving palliative care, including those on supportive care alone, at an integrated oncology center in Hong Kong.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Follow-up periods included days 28 and 60, with transfusion data assessed up to 12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IV iron | increase | mean Hb | cancer patients with anemia | from 7.6 g/dL at baseline to 8.8 g/dL by day 28 | increased | #1 |
IV iron | increase | mean Hb | cancer patients with anemia | from 7.6 g/dL at baseline to 9.3 g/dL by day 60 | increased | #2 |
IV iron | decrease | mean units of packed cells transfused per patient | cancer patients with anemia | by 55% within to 12 weeks | declined | #3 |
IV iron | increase | Hb | patients receiving supportive care alone | from 7.3 g/dL to 8.3 g/dL on day 28 | rose | #4 |
IV iron | decrease | transfusions | patients receiving supportive care alone | 62% | reduction | #5 |
IV iron | no change | adverse reactions | patients | in 4 patients (1.1%) | observed | #6 |
IV iron | increase | anemia | cancer patients with anemia | - | significantly improved | #7 |
IV iron | decrease | transfusion requirements | cancer patients with anemia | - | reduced | #8 |
Background: Anemia is common in cancer patients receiving palliative care, causing significant symptom burden and transfusion requirement. While intravenous (IV) iron is recognized for its role in chemotherapy-induced anemia, its efficacy in broader palliative oncology settings is underexplored. Our study provides real-world experience with IV iron in cancer patients, particularly those receiving supportive care alone. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at an integrated oncology center in Hong Kong from January 2019 to August 2023. Patients who received IV iron were evaluated for changes in hemoglobin (Hb) and transfusion requirements. Results: Among 283 eligible episodes, mean Hb increased from 7.6 g/dL at baseline to 8.8 g/dL and 9.3 g/dL by days 28 and 60, respectively (ps < 0.001). Mean units of packed cells transfused per patient declined by 55% within to 12 weeks following IV iron (P = 0.01). Among 164 (58%) patients receiving supportive care alone, Hb rose from 7.3 g/dL to 8.3 g/dL on day 28 (P < 0.001), with a 62% reduction in transfusions (P = 0.04). Adverse reactions were observed in 4 patients (1.1%), none with significant consequences. Baseline Hb, treatment intent and iron deficiency group significantly predicted Hb change on day 28 in multiple linear regression. Conclusion: IV iron significantly improved anemia and reduced transfusion requirements in cancer patients with anemia, including those receiving supportive care. To our knowledge, this study presents the largest dataset on IV iron use in cancer patients receiving supportive care to date. Future studies should explore its effect on symptoms management, quality of life and health-economic benefits.