Anaemia

Pathophysiology

Antineoplastic drugs can interfere with the reproduction of haematopoietic cells which results in a decreased production of red blood cell (RBC) precursors and mature RBCs.

Onset/duration

Anaemia can occur within weeks to months of commencing antineoplastic drug treatment.

Symptoms and signs

• blood counts
• signs and symptoms of anaemia: fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations.

Grading

*Lower Limit of Normal
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 

Treatment

If Hb=70 g/L without symptoms, or =80 g/L with symptoms, or patient is clinically symptomatic a transfusion with red blood cells may be appropriate (Hb is not the sole deciding factor for transfusion and will be patient dependent).
Read more about the use of red cells and information relating to the safe administration of blood on the Australian Red Cross Blood Service website (includes the NHMRC/ASBT guidelines).

Educate the patient:

• about anaemia and how it is treated
• to report symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations
• to go to the nearest hospital emergency department if they develop shortness of breath and/or chest pain.

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