Leucocyte depletion of perioperative blood transfusion does not affect long-term survival and recurrence in patients with gastrointestinal cancer

Authors: Lange, M. M.; van Hilten, J. A.; van de Watering, L. M. G.; Bijnen, B. A.; Roumen, R. M. H.; Putter, H.; Brand, A.; van de Velde, C. J. H.

Source: British Journal of Surgery, Volume 96, Number 7, July 2009 , pp. 734-740(7)

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract:

Background:

Perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion may be associated with a poor prognosis in cancer surgery. Allogeneic leucocytes are assumed to play a causal role. This study evaluated the long-term effect of transfusion with leucocyte-depleted (LD) blood in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods:

The Transfusion Associated Complications = Transfusion Induced Complications? (TACTIC) study is a multicentre randomized controlled trial evaluating the short-term benefits of LD versus non-LD RBC transfusions. The present study evaluated 5-year survival and cancer recurrence among 512 patients with gastrointestinal cancer included in the TACTIC study.

Results:

Some 89·2 per cent of patients had a primary tumour and 79·7 per cent underwent surgery with curative intent; 243 patients received perioperative RBC transfusion (median 3 units). The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with any type of gastrointestinal cancer was 50·8 per cent in the LD group and 45·8 per cent in the non-LD group (P = 0·191). Corresponding 5-year disease-free survival rates were 60·0 and 56·6 per cent (P = 0·482), and recurrence rates 32·9 and 34·3 per cent (P = 0·864).

Conclusion:

Leucocyte depletion is not associated with better long-term survival and lower recurrence rates in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bjs.6636

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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• By this author: Lange, M. M. ;  van Hilten, J. A. ;  van de Watering, L. M. G. ;  Bijnen, B. A. ;  Roumen, R. M. H. ;  Putter, H. ;  Brand, A. ;  van de Velde, C. J. H.

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