A retrospective analysis of venous thromboembolism trends in chemotherapy-induced anemia: Red blood cell transfusion versus erythrocyte stimulating agent administration.

Background: Patients receiving a variety of chemotherapy regimens often develop chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA), which contributes to poor outcomes including increased mortality. Prompt and effective treatment of CIA is essential to prevent fewer chemotherapy dose delays and reductions. Optimal therapy of CIA is controversial and involves the solitary and combined use of intravenous iron, red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs).