Anaemia and thrombocytopenia in patients with prostate cancer and bone metastases

Abstract

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors and prognostic impact of anaemia and thrombocytopenia in patients with bone metastases (BM) from prostate cancer. Methods Retrospective cohort study including 51 consecutive patients treated at a community hospital. Twenty-nine patients (57%) received taxotere after diagnosis of BM. Results Haemoglobin (Hb) ≤ 12.0 g/dL at BM detection was associated with shorter overall survival. During follow-up, 25 patients (49%) experienced episodes with Hb 9/L. All of these had previously received blood transfusion. Median interval from Hb 9/L was 2.5 months. Survival after thrombocytopenia was short (3 weeks to 4 months). Haematuria and subdural haematoma were among the causes of death. Conclusions We found high rates of significant bone marrow failure in treatment-refractory patients. Both Hb 9/L predict for unfavourable survival.