Using iron infusions to treat anemia in cancer patients before surgery

Iron Replacement to Reduce Anemia During Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

PHASE2 · Fox Chase Cancer Center · NCT05800600

This study tests if giving iron infusions to cancer patients before surgery can help improve their blood levels and reduce the need for blood transfusions during chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFox Chase Cancer Center (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05800600 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This open-label, single institution study evaluates the effectiveness of intravenous iron sucrose monotherapy in patients with thoracic, breast, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal cancers who are undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The study aims to reduce the frequency of blood transfusions and improve hemoglobin levels prior to surgical resection. Patients receiving radiation and immunotherapy as part of their treatment are also included in the study. The goal is to enhance patient outcomes by addressing anemia during chemotherapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with anemia (hemoglobin <10.5 g/dL) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for specific malignancies.

Not a fit: Patients who are diagnosed with anemia at the start of chemotherapy or have hemoglobin levels above 11.0 g/dL may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve hemoglobin levels and reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with iron infusions in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients \> 18 years
* Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including radiation and/or immunotherapy, with intent for curative surgical resection for breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) malignancies.
* Anemia defined as Hgb \<10.5 g/dL during chemotherapy.
* Iron storage levels of ferritin \<500 ng/mL and iron saturation \<35%
* Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent and HIPAA consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of anemia at the time of cycle 1 day 1 of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, Hgb \< 11.0 g/dL, uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing active infection, symptomatic new/exacerbated congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements
* Prior parenteral iron infusion in the past 4 weeks
* The use of erythropoietin stimulating agents within 4 weeks unless chronic needs due to CKD
* Concurrent systemic infection at the time of enrollment.
* Known hypersensitivity to Iron sucrose
* Pregnant or breast feeding. Refer to section 4.4 for further detail.
* Anemia from another established etiology (i.e MDS, Myeloma)

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anemia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.