[Anemia in patients with cancer].

Anemia is common in patients with cancer. The incidence and severity of anemia depend on the type and extent of the malignancy. Anemia may be the result of the malignancy itself, cancer treatment, blood losses, hemolysis or inflammatory cytokines associated with chronic disease. Anemia can have a profound impact on physical and psychosocial function and quality of life. However, in Japan, only iron supplementation and blood transfusion were available for the treatment of anemia with cancer. On the other hand, in Europe and America, erythropoietic agents such as erythropoietin and novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein (NESP) have been clinically used for anemia in patients with cancer.