ReviewBMJ supportive & palliative care2026
Red blood cell transfusions in advanced cancer near the end-of-life: narrative review.
Review in BMJ supportive & palliative care, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Differences in perceptions of hematologists and palliative care physicians regarding transfusion therapy in patients with terminal hematological malignancies: a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey in Japan.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2026Article
- Transfusion in Hospice-Palliative Care.Journal of hospice and palliative care · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundRed blood cell (RBC) transfusions are commonly used to manage anemia-related symptoms, such as fatigue and dyspnea in patients with advanced cancer. Their use in palliative care (PC) remains controversial due to the lack of clear guidelines, potential risks, and ethical considerations.
objectiveThis narrative review aims to evaluate the role of RBC transfusions in patients with advanced cancer and those at the end of life. METHODS AND DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive review of relevant existing literature was performed in various databases, using combinations of relevant keywords. Only studies published in English were considered.
findingsAnemia affects up to 77% of men and 68% of women with advanced cancer in palliative care. RBC transfusions may offer temporary symptomatic relief, but evidence supporting their routine use in palliative cancer patients is inconclusive. Studies report subjective response rates ranging from 31% to 70%. Benefits on fatigue and dyspnea often last <2 weeks and 23-35% of patients die within two weeks after the transfusion, raising concerns about futility. Variability in transfusion practices across different palliative care settings highlights the influence of clinician attitudes, resource availability, and institutional policies.
conclusionRBC transfusions in advanced cancer and end-of-life care should be considered on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing patient-centered decision-making and ethical considerations. Though the benefit is often short, they may improve the quality of life for highly selected patients. Risks such as adverse reactions and resource allocation concerns must be considered. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines and standardized assessment tools to evaluate transfusion efficacy in this population.
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Registered trials
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