Introduction:
Anemia and iron deficiency (ID) are common findings and complications of therapy in cancer patients. Limited data are available regarding the incidence and causes of anemia in patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of anemia and the deficiency of micronutrients necessary for proper hematopoiesis.

Methods:
Retrospective analysis included 82 patients with PDAC subjected to chemotherapy. Complete blood count, iron status, vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were assessed prior to the onset of systemic treatment.

Results:
62 patients (75.6%) were qualified for palliative and 20 (24.4%) for adjuvant chemotherapy. Anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dl) was noted in 33 (40.1%) patients, 27 (43.5%) in palliative and 6 (30%) in the adjuvant group. Iron deficiency (transferrin saturation <20%) was noted in 38 (46%) patients, 32 (51,5%) in palliative and 6 (30%) in the adjuvant group. Functional iron deficiency (FID) occurred twice more often than actual iron deficiency (AID) in every group (Table 1). Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency were rare findings, were noted respectively in 4 (4.9%) and 6 (7.2%) individuals. Interestingly, in 20 (32,3%) patients from palliative group elevated level of vitamin B12 was noted, whereas in the adjuvant group it was not observed.

Conclusions:
Anemia and ID were frequently noted in patients with PDAC before systemic therapy. Iron status assessment is crucial in the management of PDAC patients qualified to the chemotherapy.

PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA AND IRON DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS WITH PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA INITIATING SYSTEMIC CHEMOTHERAPY