Erythropoiesis reaction to tumor growth in lung cancer patients

Background. In addition to the transport of oxygen in tissues, erythrocytes participate in maintaining homeo-stasis therefore their qualitative and quantitative characterization may refiect a number of changes occurring in the body. The aim of the study was to investigate the erythrone state and reaction of red blood cells of hematopoiesis in patients with lung cancer with the assessment of ability to use such reactions as predictive signs of aggressiveness of the tumor process. Results. Clinical material indicating the presence of reaction of erythropoiesis and enzymatic antioxidant system to tumor growth in patients with lung cancer was obtained. Pathological changes in the erythrone system, including changes in the concentration of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, quantitative and morphological characteristics of red blood cells and reticulocytes, hemoglobin concentration and the activity of superoxide dismutase correlated with tumor aggressiveness and more severe clinical status of patients. Ñonclusion. A comprehensive assessment of erythropoiesis is believed can be used in selection of criteria for predicting treatment response and patients survival.