Prognostic Effects of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Aim:Few studies have followed the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on patient outcomes throughout the disease course in lung cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between blood transfusion frequency and disease prognosis in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, to review the complications experienced and our clinical practices.Methods:This study was conducted as an observational study between 01.07.2021 and 31.12.2021. Patients diagnosed with smallcell lung cancer were included in the study. Patient data were collected retrospectively. During the follow-up period, patients who received and did not receive blood transfusions were compared in terms of various clinical conditions.Results:A total of 405 patients were included. Blood transfusion was performed in 96 (23.7%) patients. While the rate of infection development was 68.8% in the transfused group, this rate was statistically significantly lower at 35.3% in the non-transfused group (p