Feasibility of Intravenous Iron Isomaltoside to Improve Anemia and Quality of Life During Palliative Chemotherapy for Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma. (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ng, Oliver; Keeler, Barrie; Simpson, John Alastair; Madhusudan, Srinivasan; Brookes, Matthew; Acheson, Austin
• Is Part Of: Nutrition and cancer. Volume 70:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 1106
• Page End: 1117
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: Cancer -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Cancer; Nutrition; Periodicals; 616.9940654
• DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2018.1504090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-5581

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Anemia is common with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma, increasing mortality, blood transfusions, and reducing quality of life (QOL). No clear evidence exists for safe and effective treatment. Methods: Anemic patients (Hb <12 g/dl women, <13 g/dl men) with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma were recruited before initiation of palliative chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to standard care or single dose of intravenous iron isomaltoside (IVI) before chemotherapy. Post-chemotherapy changes in hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, transferrin saturations (TSAT), blood transfusions, and QOL were recorded for three cycles of chemotherapy. Results: Twenty-seven patients were randomized to standard care ( n = 13) or IVI ( n = 14). No significant change in Hb was seen (standard care MD –0.6 g/dl 95% CI –0.1–1.1 g/dl, P = 0.336; IVI MD +0.5 g/dl 95% CI –0.1–1.1 g/dl, P = 0.903). An increase in ferritin was seen with IVI after cycle one of chemotherapy (standard care 116 ng/ml; IVI 770 ng/ml, P < 0.05). No difference in blood transfusions was seen between groups ( P = 0.851). IVI improved QOL with physical well-being, emotional well-being, anemia-specific QOL, trial outcome index, and total scores all exceeding minimum clinically important difference. No improvement was seen with standard care. Conclusions: This feasibility study suggests IVI improves quality of life and ferritin. Larger adequately powered studies are required to definitively conclude if hemoglobin and blood transfusion changes with IVI.