Hemolytic anemia associated with antineoplastic agents.

Abstract

Hemolytic anemia is an uncommon, but important, complication following the administration of antineoplastic agents. Three types of hemolytic anemia have been reported: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, immune hemolytic anemia, and oxidative hemolysis. Physicians should be alert to the possibility of this adverse effect in any patient who has a sudden or unexplained drop in hemoglobin concentration while undergoing cancer chemotherapy. If the hemolytic anemia is not recognized and allowed to continue, the consequences may prove to be fatal.