CLINICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANCER-RELATED ANEMIA

Defining clinical guidelines for the treatment of cancer-related anemi a requires investigation into causes and characteristics of this malad y, uses, benefits, and adverse effects of current treatments; and reco gnition of currently accepted guidelines set forth by the American Col lege of Physicians and the American Association of Blood Banks. Anemia , the most common hematologic abnormality in patients with cancer, ori ginates from a variety of causes, including occult blood loss, hypopro liferation, and hemolysis, and often involves more than one mechanism. Clinical manifestations include fatigue, dyspnea, tachycardia, dizzin ess, anorexia, and hypersensitivity to cold. Although the majority of cancer-related anemias are hypoproliferative, establishing their patho physiology in individual patients is critical to effective treatment. Anemia usually, but not always, resolves with successful treatment of underlying disease. Symptomatic relief can be managed in accordance wi th established treatment guidelines.