Česky
What is anaemia and how often does it occur in cancer patients?
Anemia is the medical term for a reduced level of blood pigment (hemoglobin) in the blood. It is most often accompanied by a decrease in the number of red blood cells. It occurs very often in cancer patients, both as a result of the tumour and as a side effect of treatment such as chemotherapy.
To what extent is the development of anaemia related to the tumour?
Patients are usually not anaemic at the onset of the tumour, but as the disease progresses and the tumour generalizes (metastasis), this often occurs.
How does anaemia affect the quality of life of cancer patients?
Red blood cells and blood dye are essential for carrying oxygen from the airways further into the body. It clearly follows that if significant anaemia develops, then this transfer is impaired and the body suffers on many 'fronts'. Shortness of breath, weakness, poorer digestion, etc. appear.
What do you consider to be effective therapies in the treatment of anaemia?
Anaemia often corrects itself if the cause is physiological (e.g. menstruation). Otherwise, we have the possibility to treat anaemia in many ways, ranging from the administration of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid, to transfusions, to the stimulation of the production of new red blood cells with so-called growth factors. However, it is always necessary to find the cause at the beginning and then choose the right treatment.
How far has research in this area progressed and how are you involved in this research?
Research is moving forward by leaps and bounds. Our institute has been working on this issue for a long time, including international research, where I am even the guarantor for the Central European part of the project. I recently presented the results of our research at one of the major world cancer congresses in Barcelona.
As an oncologist, you often talk about the importance of prevention in cancer treatment. Does this apply universally to all types of cancer?
Yes, more or less. In some places we have better prevention, in others it is more complicated (e.g. pancreas, biliary tract).
For which cancers is early treatment effective, and for which does it fall short?
Testicular tumours respond well to treatment, but also prostate, breast and colon tumours. We would certainly find some other cancers as well. The treatment of pancreatic, gallbladder, liver, stomach and brain tumours is worse.
