Anemia is defined as "a pathologic deficiency in the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells." It is a common problem for cancer patients and often results from the therapies used to suppress or control tumors. Anemia is associated with fatigue - a feeling of weakness or diminished physical and mental capacity unrelieved by rest (fatigue). Additional symptoms include diminished ability to perform daily functions and possibly impaired cognitive function, headache, dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath, nausea, depression and occasionally pain. These symptoms are often complicated by coexisting disease(s).There are many compromises that are necessary when one has symptomatic anemia. This can affect the tolerability of therapy. Anemia is also associated with a poorer prognosis and increased mortality.

Anemia Causes

Anemia is caused by a deficiency of Hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a pigment made up of protein and iron. Hemoglobin’s main job is to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deposit into the red blood cells, which in turn carries the oxygen throughout the body. Without Protein and Iron you have a loss of Hemoglobin, which means you have a lost of oxygen for the red blood cells.

Anemia Symptoms

Anemia symptoms go undetected in many people, as symptoms can be vague. Most commonly, a feeling of weakness or fatigue is reported. Shortness of breath is reported in more severe cases. Very severe anemia prompts a compensatory response where cardiac output is markedly increased, leading to palpitations and sweatiness; this process can lead to heart failure in elderly people. Pallor (pale skin and mucosal linings) is only notable in cases of severe anemia, and is therefore not a reliable sign.

Types of Anemia

There are several different types of anemia. Most are very rare but others are both known and common among various populations. The most common types of anemia are: aplastic, iron deficiency, sickle cell and trauma related or blood loss anemia. As anemia is a disorder of the blood, the diagnosis remains the same in all types. Diagnosis of anemia is done by collecting a blood sample from the patient which is then sent to a laboratory where testing of blood cells, blood cell counts and a visual inspection of the cells is completed. However, as each type of anemia has it’s own cause, the signs, symptoms and treatments of various types will differ.

Anemia Treatment

A common treatment for anemia - a deficiency in red blood cells (rbcs) caused by their insufficient production, excessive destruction, or excessive loss - is administration of recombinant erythropoietin (Epo), a hormone that stimulates the production of rbc precursors by the bone marrow.

Hydroxyurea is a new treatment for sickle cell anemia that reduces the frequency of pain epidsodes, acute chest syndrome and the need for blood transfusions in adults. Studies are currently underway to determine the proper dosage of hydroxyeurea for children. Researchers also are investigating similar drugs for children to reduce the number of complications and improve survival, as well as new approaches to gene therapy.