Clinical guidelines for the treatment of cancer-related anemia.

Defining clinical guidelines for the treatment of cancer-related anemia requires investigation into causes and characteristics of this malady, uses, benefits, and adverse effects of current treatments; and recognition of currently accepted guidelines set forth by the American College of Physicians and the American Association of Blood Banks. Anemia, the most common hematologic abnormality in patients with cancer, originates from a variety of causes, including occult blood loss, hypoproliferation, and hemolysis, and often involves more than one mechanism. Clinical manifestations include fatigue, dyspnea, tachycardia, dizziness, anorexia, and hypersensitivity to cold. Although the majority of cancer-related anemias are hypoproliferative, establishing their pathophysiology 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 with established treatment guidelines.