Blood transfusion practices in cancer surgery

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cancer patients are commonly transfused with blood products immediately before, during or after major surgery. Blood loss and haemodilution are the most common causes of red blood cells (RBCs) administration and coagulopathies are the indications for the infusion of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitates and platelets. Transfusion-related immune modulation is a complication associated with the administration of blood products. A decreased immune surveillance as a consequence of blood transfusions has been linked to cancer recurrence and progression. Moreover, soluble factors present in packed RBCs, platelets and FFP can directly stimulate tumour growth and spread. Two meta-analyses suggest that the administration of blood products is associated with shorter recurrence-free survival and overall survival after colorectal cancer surgery. More studies are needed to show such association in different cancer patient populations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)637-642
Number of pages6
JournalIndian Journal of Anaesthesia
Volume58
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2014

Keywords

  • Blood product transfusion
  • Cancer recurrence
  • Immune suppression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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