Risks and benefits of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) versus red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for solid tumor chemotherapy-related anemia

ESA

RBC transfusion

Risks

Thrombotic events^*

Potentially decreased survival^*

Transfusion reactions^¶

Circulatory overload

Viral infection^Δ

Iron overload

RBC alloimmunization

Benefits

Gradual improvement in hemoglobin

Gradual clinical improvement

Avoidance of RBC transfusions in some patients

Net reduction in transfusion requirements^◊

Rapid improvement in hemoglobin

Rapid clinical improvement

Refer to UpToDate for other complications of ESAs and RBC transfusion.

ESA: erythropoiesis-stimulating agent; RBC: red blood cell.

* In trials where target hemoglobin was >12 g/dL.

¶ Includes febrile nonhemolytic reactions, allergic reactions, hemolytic reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO).

Δ Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

◊ Average 1 unit per person.

Graphic 78476 Version 6.0

خرید پکیج

Risks and benefits of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) versus red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for solid tumor chemotherapy-related anemia