PITASOR epidemiological study: prevalence, incidence and treatment of anaemia in radiation therapy oncology departments in Spain

Introduction Anemia is the most common haematological complication in cancer patients. Objective Analysis of the incidence, prevalence and treatment of anemia in oncologic patients treated in Radiation Oncology Departments in Spain (ROD) and monitoring of the existing recommendations for the treatment of anemia. Material and methods Observational, prospective, multicenter study which involved 19 Spanish ROD. The study was approved by the CEIC Central Defense Hospital. 477 patients with solid tumors, subsidiary of RT with radical intent referred to such centers within a period of one month (5/5/09 to 5/6/09) and gave their consent to participate in the study. We gathered the main characteristics of patients and their oncologic disease. All patients underwent a determination of Hb levels before RT, upon reaching 25–35 Gy and at the end treatment. In patients with anemia we assessed the existence of related symptoms and its treatment. Results Basal situation: The prevalence of anemia was 34.8% (166 patients). Mean Hb in patients with anemia was 11.17±1.07 g/dl. Anemia-related symptoms were present in 34% of the patients. Anemia predisposing factors were: stage of the disease, previously received chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. 39% (66 patients) received anemia treatment, with a mean Hb of 10.43±1.04 g/dl. During RT: The prevalence of anemia was 38.9% (182 patients) with a mean Hb of 11.24±1.21 g/dl. Predisposing factors for anemia during RT treatment were: age, male sex, chemotherapy prior to RT, basal anemia and chemotherapy during RT. 36.3% (66 patients) had anemia-related symptoms. 34.6% (63 patients) with a mean Hb of 10.5±1.37 g/dl received treatment for anemia. The prevalence of anemia at the end of the RT was 38.1% (177 patients) with a mean Hb of 11.19±1.18 g/dl. The predisposing factors for the appearance of anemia at the end of RT were: male sex, anemia at basal situation and during treatment and chemotherapy during RT. 34% (61 patients) had anemia-related symptoms and 73 patients (41.2%) with a mean Hb of 10.5±1.22 g/dl received treatment for anemia. The presence of anemia-related symptoms was significantly correlated with the beginning of treatment for anemia. The incidence of anemia (new cases) during radiotherapy was 17.5%. Conclusion The prevalence of anemia in basal situation, during RT and at the end of RT is 34.8%, 38.9% and 38.1%. During RT the incidence of anemia is 17.5%. 39.8%–41.2% of patients with anemia and 64.2%–68% of patients w