Anemia is the most common hematological complication in cancer patients, and refers to a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. Cancer-related anemia can occur as a result of the cancer itself or chemotherapy treatment (known as chemotherapy-induced anemia [CIA]). CIA arises due to the myelotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs, which impairs erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. It can also develop because of underlying co-morbidities such as loss of blood and lack of iron. CIA may delay or lower the patient’s response to treatment, as well as cause fatigue and reduce quality of life. The condition generally improves after the chemotherapy treatment cycle ends; however, nephrotoxic effects of some platinum-based drugs can cause persistent anemia by decreasing the production of erythropoietin (EPO) by the kidney. 

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