pattern of fetal hemoglobin changes in patients with malignancy on chemotherapy

ABSTRACT

Production of fetal proteins by malignant tissue is a recognized phenomenon seen in many neoplastic disorders. Hence, the aim was to determine if there is a positive correlation between administration of chemotherapy and reduction in fetal hemoglobin [HbF] levels. In a prospective study at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, 50 cancer patients at various stages of the disease and 50 controls for 10 months period [March to December, 2005], HbF was determined in pre- chemotherapy [n=23] and post-chemotherapy [n=27] cancer patients. Fetal hemoglobin was estimated by the modified Betke's method. A total of 20 patients [40%] comprising 10 pre-chemotherapy and 10 post-chemotherapy patients presented with increased HbF which was statistically significant [p<0.0001]. There was also a significant decrease in post- chemotherapy result when both pre and post-chemotherapy values were compared [p=0.0073]. The results presented indicate that during recovery of erythropoiesis some erythroblasts synthesized HbF and there was a reduction following administration of chemotherapy