A prospective observational study of anaemia management in cancer patients - results from the German Cancer Anaemia Registry

The role of iron in chronic inflammatory diseases: from mechanisms to treatment options in anemia of inflammation

Anemia of inflammation (AI) is a highly prevalent comorbidity in patients affected by chronic inflammatory disorders, such as chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer, that negatively affect disease outcome and quality of life. The pathophysiology of AI is multifactorial, with inflammatory hypoferremia and iron-restricted erythropoiesis playing a major role in the context of disease-specific factors. Here, we review the recent progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to iron dysregulation in AI, the impact of hypoferremia and anemia on the course of the underlying disease, and (novel) therapeutic strategies applied to treat AI.

Understanding cancer etiology: A review of the evidence-based Ayurvedic framework of cancer etiologies

Background of the Study

As many as 10 million people have died from cancer globally in 2020, making it the top cause of mortality in the globe. Cancer develops as a result of the multi-stage process by which normal cells convert into tumor cells, progressing from a precancerous lesion to a malignant tumor. By avoiding risk factors and applying existing evidence-based preventative techniques, 30%-50% of malignancies may be averted. In order to avoid cancer, it is essential to know the specific causes of the disease. Nidanas, or etiologies, are well-described in Ayurvedic science. Here, the causes of cancer have been outlined so that the knowledge may be used effectively to avoid the disease.

Aims

Identification of cancer etiologies that have been described in classics. Evidence-based understanding of these etiologies and to comprehend the significance of etiologies in cancer prevention.

Materials and methods

A thorough evaluation of literature, including ancient Ayurvedic classics, modern medical texts, and articles published in reputable journals, was conducted to meet the study's goals and objectives.

Results

According to Ayurveda, there are three distinct phases of tumorigenesis: chronic inflammation, precancerous development, Granthi (a benign glandular swelli ng), and Arbuda (a precancerous tumor) (definite malignancy). A growing body of evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment, which is predominantly controlled by inflammatory cells, is an essential player in the neoplastic process.

Conclusion

Although inflammation is coming into the picture just now in the contemporary world, Ayurveda has described this as a leading cause 5000 years back. It is evident that diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in the etiology of Shoth (inflammation).

Band 3 ectopic expression in colorectal cancer induces an increase in erythrocyte membrane-bound IgG and may cause immune-related anemia

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare comorbidity in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has an unknown etiology. Previously, we described an AIHA case secondary to CRC with ectopic band 3 expression. Herein, we investigated ectopic band 3 expression and erythrocyte membrane-bound IgG in a CRC cohort. Between September 2016 and August 2018, 50 patients with CRC and 26 healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. The expression of band 3 and SLC4A1 mRNA was observed in 97% of CRC surgical specimens. Although clinical AIHA was not observed in any patient with CRC, a direct antiglobulin test was positive in 10 of the patients in the CRC group (p = 0.01). Flow cytometry revealed significantly increased erythrocyte membrane-bound IgG among patients with CRC compared to healthy controls (mean ± standard deviation; 38.8 ± 4.7 vs. 29.9 ± 15.6, p = 0.012). Normocytic anemia was observed, including in cases negative for fecal occult blood, suggesting a shortened erythrocyte life-span due to increased membrane-bound IgG. Immunoprecipitation revealed increased anti-band 3 autoantibodies in patients' sera. Mouse experiments recapitulated this phenomenon. We also confirmed that band 3 expression is controlled by 5'AMP-activated protein kinase under hypoxic conditions. These findings increase our understanding of the etiology of cancer-related anemia.

Antianemic Treatment of Cancer Patients in German Routine Practice: Data from a Prospective Cohort Study-The Tumor Anemia Registry

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess current antianemic treatment of cancer patients in German routine practice, including diagnostics, treatments, and quality of life (QoL). 88 study sites recruited 1018 patients at the start of antianemic treatment with hemoglobin (Hb) levels <11 g/dL (females) or <12 g/dL (males). Patients were followed up for 12 weeks. 63% of the patients had inoperable solid tumors, 22% operable solid tumors, and 15% hematological malignancies. Over 85% received chemotherapy. Median age was 67 years; 48% were male. Red blood cell transfusions (RBCTx) were given to 59% of all patients and to 55% of the patients with Hb ≥8 g/dL on day 1 of the observation period (day 1 treatment). Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were the second most frequently applied day 1 treatment (20%), followed by intravenous (IV) iron (15%) and ESA + IV iron (6%). Only about a third of patients were tested for blood serum iron parameters at the start of treatment. Overall, more than half of the patients had long-term responses to antianemic therapy. Our data suggest that in routine practice diagnostics for treatable causes of anemia are underused. A high proportion of cancer patients receive RBCTx. It should be discussed whether thorough diagnostics and earlier intervention could decrease the need for RBCTx. This trial is registered with NCT01795690.

The role of inflammation, iron, and nutritional status in cancer-related anemia: results of a large, prospective, observational study

Anemia in oncology patients is often considered a side effect of cancer therapy; however, it may occur before any antineoplastic treatment (cancer-related anemia). This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cancer-related anemia in a large cohort of oncology patients and whether inflammation and malnutrition were predictive of its development and severity. The present study included 888 patients with cancer at different sites between May 2011 and January 2014. Patients were assessed at diagnosis before any cancer treatment. The prevalence of anemia according to the main clinical factors (tumor site, stage and performance status) was analyzed. In each patient markers of inflammation, iron metabolism, malnutrition and oxidative stress as well as the modified Glasgow prognostic score, a combined index of malnutrition and inflammation, were assessed and their role in predicting hemoglobin level was evaluated. The percentage of anemic patients was 63% with the lowest hemoglobin levels being found in the patients with most advanced cancer and compromised performance status. Hemoglobin concentration differed by tumor site and was lowest in patients with ovarian cancer. Hemoglobin concentration was inversely correlated with inflammatory markers, hepcidin, ferritin, erythropoietin and reactive oxygen species, and positively correlated with leptin, albumin, cholesterol and antioxidant enzymes. In multivariate analysis, stage, interleukin-6 and leptin were independent predictors of hemoglobin concentration. Furthermore, hemoglobin was inversely dependent on modified Glasgow Prognostic Score. In conclusion, cancer-related anemia is a multifactorial problem with immune, nutritional and metabolic components that affect its severity. Only a detailed assessment of the pathogenesis of cancer-related anemia may enable clinicians to provide safe and effective individualized treatment.

Prevalence and management of anaemia in patients with non-myeloid cancer undergoing systemic therapy: a Spanish survey

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to provide updated data on anaemia prevalence and management in cancer patients undergoing systemic therapy in Spain.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study performed in 2008. Eligible patients were ≥18 years, with non-myeloid malignancies treated with systemic therapy [chemotherapy (CT), hormonal therapy or immunotherapy]. Anaemia was defined according to WHO as haemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dL.

RESULTS

The study included 214 patients with a median age of 63 years (range 20-91), 58 % women, 73 % with solid tumours, and 79 % with advanced disease. CT was used in 91 % of patients (26 % with platinum compounds), hormonal therapy in 8.5 %, and immunotherapy in 8.5 %. In our study, 48.1 % of patients [95 % confidence interval (CI) 45.2-58.6] showed anaemia (31 % symptomatic): 42.0 % mild (10 ≤ Hb ≤ 11.9 g/dL), 5.6 % moderate (8 ≤ Hb ≤ 9.9 g/dL), and 0.5 % severe (Hb < 8 g/dL). A higher prevalence was observed in patients treated with CT (51 vs. 20 %, p = 0.01), platinum-based CT (70 vs. 47 %, p = 0.01) or palliative CT (61 vs. 39 %, p = 0.003). Anaemia was also more frequent in patients with more than three lines of CT (83 %) and in the fourth or subsequent CT cycle (58 %). Management in the previous 4 weeks in patients with anaemia was: 62 % did not receive treatment (92 % mild), 24 % received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), 14 % received iron and 8.7 % received transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

In Spanish hospitals, about half of patients with non-myeloid malignancies undergoing systemic therapy fulfilled anaemia criteria (87 % mild). Approximately two-third of patients with anaemia do not receive specific treatment and ESA use is below current guidelines.

Clinical experience with ferric carboxymaltose in the treatment of cancer- and chemotherapy-associated anaemia

BACKGROUND

Intravenous (i.v.) iron can improve anaemia of chronic disease and response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), but data on its use in practice and without ESAs are limited. This study evaluated effectiveness and tolerability of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in routine treatment of anaemic cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 639 patients enrolled in 68 haematology/oncology practices in Germany, 619 received FCM at the oncologist's discretion, 420 had eligible baseline haemoglobin (Hb) measurements, and 364 at least one follow-up Hb measurement. Data of transfused patients were censored from analysis before transfusion.

RESULTS

The median total iron dose was 1000 mg per patient (interquartile range 600-1500 mg). The median Hb increase was comparable in patients receiving FCM alone (1.4 g/dl [0.2-2.3 g/dl; N = 233]) or FCM + ESA (1.6 g/dl [0.7-2.4 g/dl; N = 46]). Patients with baseline Hb up to 11.0 g/dl and serum ferritin up to 500 ng/ml benefited from FCM treatment (stable Hb ≥ 11.0 g/dl). Also patients with ferritin >500 ng/ml but low transferrin saturation benefited from FCM treatment. FCM was well tolerated, 2.3% of patients reported putative drug-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

The substantial Hb increase and stabilisation at 11-12 g/dl in FCM-treated patients suggest a role for i.v. iron alone in anaemia correction in cancer patients.

The role of intravenous iron in the treatment of anemia in cancer patients

Anemia is a major cause of morbidity in cancer patients resulting in poor physical performance, prognosis and therapy outcome. Initially, erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) were supposed to be the treatment of choice but about one third of patients turned out to be nonresponders and meta-analyses provided evidence of an increased risk of mortality if used excessively. This along with the successful use of intravenous iron for anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease prompted seven clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of intravenous iron as an adjunct to ESAs and four additional studies using intravenous iron only for anemia in cancer patients. These studies confirmed a superior response if ESAs are combined with intravenous iron and revealed iron only to be a useful option in patients with mild and absolute iron deficiency (AID). Currently, best treatment decisions for anemia in cancer might be based on measurements of serum ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation (TSAT), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), ferritin index (FI = sTfR/log SF), hypochromic reticulocytes (CHR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, there is still an urgent need for trials investigating diagnostic approaches to optimize therapy of anemia in cancer patients with iron and/or ESAs.

Clinical case reports raise doubts about the therapeutic equivalence of an iron sucrose similar preparation compared with iron sucrose originator

Intravenous iron sucrose has been used to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia associated with different chronic diseases for several decades. Despite the complex structure of iron sucrose, copies called iron sucrose similars (ISSs) have been approved according to the generic approach and therefore, therapeutic equivalence is taken for granted. In February 2011, three patients who previously tolerated well the prescribed iron sucrose originator experienced urticaria, oedema and headache within 1 hour after infusion of an ISS that had been substituted for the originator at the pharmacy level. One patient collapsed due to severe hypovolaemic dysregulation and required hospitalisation. Due to emerging evidence that ISSs differ from the iron sucrose originator in safety and efficacy profiles, it seems prudent for physicians as well as patients who require intravenous (i.v.) iron to have available data on therapeutic equivalence of new ISS preparations versus the originator. This may be especially important in patients who are chronically ill and need iron supplementation on a regular, long-term basis.