The Effectiveness of Lactoferrin in the Management of Treatment-induced Anemia

The Effectiveness of Lactoferrin in the Management of Treatment-induced Anemia in Hematological Patients

This will be a randomised control trial designed to test the effectiveness of lactoferrin in the management of treatment-induced anemia in patients with hematological malignancies.

Chemotherapy induced anemia (CIA) is a common adverse event in cancer patients reported to occur in 20-60% whilst the resulting low hemoglobin level is associated with impaired quality of life. Lactoferrin (LF) is a non-haem iron-binding protein that is part of the transferrin protein family, along with serum transferrin, ovotransferrin, melanotransferrin and the inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, whose function is to transport iron in blood serum.

The aim of the study is to test the effectiveness of LF along with standard care in the management of treatment-induced anemia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients on active treatment (chemotherapy i.e. cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, rituximab, cisplatin carboplatin, etoposide)
• Ability to independently complete the questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to Milk
• Lactose intolerance
• Celiac disease
• Patient of whom chemotherapy has been interrupted for more than 2 weeks (due to adverse effects)