Anaemia of cancer A literature review

Abstract

Anaemia is commonly seen in oncology patients irrespective of the malignancy encountered. Despite its widespread occurrence, the pathophysiology leading to its manifestation is varied. In this literary review, we aim to summarise the known mechanisms and the novel research to have an integrated understanding of this debilitating symptom in cancer patients and its potential effect on the survival on patients with neoplasia. This review will consist of separate chapters based on the different pathogenesis of anaemia in cancer patents, including those associated with chronic inflammation and those induced directly by tumour specific mechanisms, hematopoietic neoplasia, and paraneoplastic syndromes, excluding the anaemia caused by blood loss.