Intravenous Iron: Measuring Response in Anemic Surgical Patients
Intravenous Iron: Measuring Response in Anemic Surgical Patients
20 Patients will be recruited with confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma and anemia who are
 planned to undergo surgery. All patients will be treated with a single dose of 1g intravenous
 ferric carboxymaltose (FERINJECT).

 It is hypothesized that intravenous iron supplementation is efficacious at raising
 haemoglobin levels and reduced blood transfusion requirements.
Patients who are anemic at the time of operation have been shown to have an increased
 frequency of complications including wound infection and longer post-operative admissions.
 Similarly, patients who are anemic at the time of their cancer operation are more likely to
 require a blood transfusion which may increase the risk of recurrence of the cancer.

 At present, oral iron is often used to treat anemia preoperatively in an attempt to minimize
 the risk above. This drug is often poorly tolerated due to the side effect profile. Blood
 transfusions can also be administered but expose the patient to other risks including
 infection and transfusion associated reactions. In order to overcome these issues,
 intravenous iron preparations have been developed and have improved in safety.

 This is open label clinical trial, which looks to investigate the efficacy of intravenous
 iron is in the treatment of preoperative anemia in colorectal patients. The outcomes reviewed
 will include the amount and frequency of blood transfusions received, changes in patient
 blood profiles operative complications and hospital length of stay. The role of hepcidin as a
 biomarker of treatment response will also be assessed.

 All data will be confidentially recorded on a Case Report Form, as will drug reactions and
 side effects.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age > 18 years

 -  Diagnosed with colonic or rectal adenocarcinoma

 -  Defined date of operation at least 14 days from recruitment to study

 -  Confirmed anemia

 -  Females of child bearing age must agree to use a medically accepted form of
 contraceptive

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patient's who are unable to consent

 -  Recognized allergy or intolerance of the study drug or excipients

 -  Patients with previous or current hematological disease that in the investigators'
 opinion would confound the diagnosis of anemia