A meta-analysis on the risk of infection associated with intravenous iron therapy in cancer-associated anaemia: a double-edged sword?

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #neoplasms #anemia #iron #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

A meta-analysis on the risk of infection associated with intravenous iron therapy in cancer-associated anaemia: a double-edged sword?

Meyers et al., 2024 | Curr Opin Oncol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Meyers Michel, Salmon Maurine, ... Klášterský Jean. A meta-analysis on the risk of infection associated with intravenous iron therapy in cancer-associated anaemia: a double-edged sword?. Curr Opin Oncol. 2024-Jul-01;36(4):223-232. doi:10.1097/CCO.0000000000001024

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increased use of i.v. iron in the treatment of cancer-associated anemia raises concerns about its risk of infectious complications. High levels of circulating iron could increase the risk of infection by compromising natural defence mechanisms and promoting pathogen growth. Since the risk of infection is particularly high in the oncological population, we have examined whether the use of i.v. iron increases the risk of infectious complications among cancer patients. FINDINGS: Among 18 randomized trials in our systematic review, only 8 reported infectious complications, with no significant difference linked to the type of i.v. iron preparation. Two trials showed a statistically significant increase in infectious complications, one trial found a lower risk, while the remaining 5 reported no significant difference. Our meta-analysis revealed a numerical increase in infectious complications in the i.v. iron group, but the lack of statistical significance and significant heterogeneity among the trials limit definitive conclusions on the actual infection risk. SUMMARY: Our findings suggest some increased risk in infectious complications after the administration of i.v. iron for cancer associated anaemia. However, i.v. iron therapy appears generally safe and effective in cancer-associated anaemia.

Key Findings

Among 18 randomized trials in our systematic review, only 8 reported infectious complications, with no significant difference linked to the type of i.v. iron preparation. Two trials showed a statistically significant increase in infectious complications, one trial found a lower risk, while the remaining 5 reported no significant difference. Our meta-analysis revealed a numerical increase in infectious complications in the i.v. iron group, but the lack of statistical significance and significant

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Neoplasms
  • Anemia
  • Iron
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Infections

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09