Daily iron supplementation for prevention or treatment of moderate iron deficiency anemia in patients with solid neoplasm, undergoing concurrent radiochemotherapy treatment.

BACKGROUND

Anemia has a significant clinical impact on cancer patients: it is related to an important decline in performance status (PS) and quality of life (QoL), with progressive worsening of cognitive function and energy-activity levels.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

To evaluate the effectiveness of Sucrosomial® oral iron formulation to prevent moderate and severe anemia, we retrospectively recorded data from our database from February 2023 to December 2023 of patients affected by solid tumors, performing long-course radiochemotherapy (RTC) together with preventive Sucrosomial® iron supplementation twice per day (Arm A = 35 patients) or other supplementations, delivered just as needed (Arm B = 35 patients).

RESULTS

In arm A, at baseline, the median hemoglobin (Hb) value was 12.4 g/dL. After 15 days, 30 days and 60 days, median Hb values were, respectively, 12.2 g/dL, 11.8 g/dL, and 11.6 g/dL. In arm B, at baseline, the median Hb value was 12.30 g/dL. After 15 days, 30 days and 60 days, Hb values were, respectively, 11.7 g/dL, 11.2 g/dL, and 11.2 g/dL. Regarding the difference in QoL between the two treatment groups, in Arm A a consistent stability in FACT-An questionnaire scores was noted. Conversely, in Arm B, a slow but constant increase in FACT-An scores was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Sucrosomial® oral iron formulation seems to be efficient in preventing moderate and severe anemia during long-course randomized controlled trial (RCT) in cancer patients, while also offering notable advantages in terms of quality of life and healthcare costs.