A retrospective observational study of comparison of hematological parameters along with the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in different stages of breast cancer

T Kumutha, Ruthmol Baby, N Shabana Parveen, Subin Biju, Anjala Sunny, K Velavan

Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nandha College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is one of the top leading causes of death and most common malignancies among women all over the world. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the predominant treatment measures of cancer along with surgery. The current study aims to compare the hematological parameters in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy in different stages of breast cancer. A decline in hematological parameters is most commonly seen trend in patients undergoing these treatments, which adversely influences the outcome of cancers. The study also evaluates the prevalence of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia in patients who received radiotherapy, chemotherapy and concurrent therapy. A total of 103 female breast cancer cases were collected in which 23 patients received radiotherapy, 44 patients received chemotherapy and 36 patients received concurrent therapy. The hematological parameters were found to be declined at different stages of cancer. The patients also showed decline in blood counts at each treatment, but all the parameters were declined in patients undergone concurrent therapy. Thus, this study helps to evaluate the requirement of complete blood count investigation before and during the therapy in order to assist the dosage adjustment and dietary modifications to minimize the risk of therapy related fatigue and infections and thus improving the efficacy of treatment outcome and health related quality of life of patients.

Keywords:

Adriamycin, Chemotherapy, Cyclophosphamide, Hematological parameters, Radiotherapy