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Classification and characterization of anemia in cancer

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Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology

Abstract

Anemia can be defined as a condition of decreased red blood cell (RBC) mass, reflected in a decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit level. As a primary parameter, hemoglobin level is usually used to assess the severity of anemia and appears to be more precise than hematocrit level (Keen 1998). In healthy adults, hemoglobin levels range between 13.3–17.7 g/dl in men and 11.7–15.7 g/dl in women (Williams 1988; Fairbanks and Tefferi 2000). According to the World Health Organization, values below 13 g/dl in men and 12 g/dl in women are defined as anemia (World Health Organization 1968).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine (Cancer Research), West German Cancer Center, University of Essen Medical School, Hufelandstrasse 55, D-45122, Essen, Germany

    Prof. Dr. M. R. Nowrousian

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  1. Prof. Dr. M. R. Nowrousian
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  1. Innere Klinik und Poliklinik (Tumorforschung), Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Universitätsklinikum, Essen, Deutschland

    M. R. Nowrousian

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Nowrousian, M.R. (2002). Classification and characterization of anemia in cancer. In: Nowrousian, M.R. (eds) Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-7658-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-7658-0_2

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