Pathophysiology of cancer-related anemia

Lower Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration is Associated with Unfavorable Prognosis of Resected Lung Cancer

“…The reasons for the poor prognosis of lung cancer patients with low HGB level have not been clarified yet. It is well known that tumor cells could secrete soluble molecules such as IL-1, IFN-γ and TNF, which may develop anemia in cancer patients by hemolysis, suppression of erythropoiesis and impairment of erythropoietin response on erythroid progenitor cells [38]. Patients with low MCHC or low HGB level of normal range may have more possibilities to develop into anemia after chemotherapy.…”

Disorders of iron metabolism. Part 1: molecular basis of iron homoeostasis

“…This anaemia may be the result of activation of the immune system by the underlying process, and certain immune and inflammatory cytokines including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukins (IL) 1, 6, 8 and 10 40 41…”

Cancer-Related Anemia: Biological Findings, Clinical Implications and Impact on Quality of Life

“…The same cytokine-mediated mechanisms that contribute to the development of cancer-related anemia may also be involved in the development of fatigue. In cancer-related anemia, for instance, complex interactions between the tumor cell population and the immune system result in overexpression of certain inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IFN-Á, IL-1, TNF-·) that disrupt normal erythropoiesis [58,59]. It has now been shown that increased production of some of these cytokines may also cause fatigue and cachexia [60].…”