Commentary: Postoperative blood transplantation for non –small cell lung cancer

Debate on appropriate triggers for transfusion of allogeneic blood products and their effects on short-term and long-term survival in patients with cancer continues with no definitive evidence or decisive resolution. Although mechanisms of transfusion-related immunomodulation have been proposed,1 its influence on immune competence in the recipient and its effect on cancer recurrence after curative resection remain controversial. Association between perioperative transfusion of allogeneic blood products and elevated risk of recurrence and reduced survival has been shown in other cancer types, including colorectal, hepatocellular, prostate, breast, melanoma, and pancreatic,2-4 but the effects in patients with lung cancer remain indeterminate.
Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research