Prevalence and Severity of Anemia in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma at Diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is common among patients with solid malignancies and may be particularly prevalent in esophageal cancer because dysphagia can contribute to inadequate nutritional intake and deficiencies. Pretreatment anemia may also adversely affect treatment tolerance and clinical outcomes, particularly in patients receiving radiotherapy. This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of anemia at diagnosis among patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 160 newly diagnosed patients with ESCC. Blood samples were collected before initiation of any cancer-specific treatment to assess hemoglobin levels and determine the presence and severity of anemia. All participants provided informed consent.

Results: Of the 160 patients, 72 (45.0%) had anemia at diagnosis. Among anemic patients, 55.6% had mild anemia, 26.4% had moderate anemia, and 18.0% had severe anemia. The prevalence of anemia was slightly higher among males than females (47.7% vs. 41.7%).

Conclusion: Anemia was common among patients with ESCC at the time of diagnosis, with nearly half of the study population affected. Routine assessment of hemoglobin levels at diagnosis may facilitate early identification and appropriate management of anemia and may help optimize subsequent cancer treatment.