A prospective randomized controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of patient blood management program in patients with gynecologic cancer (KGOG 4011/PBM)

Abstract

Background: Gynecologic cancer has a high frequency of anemia, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Blood transfusion is used to correct anemia, but carries its own side effects and problems in the blood supply have been emerging. As such, methods other than transfusion are needed to correct anemia in patients with cancer.

Primary objective: To determine whether intravenous administration of high-dose iron supplements before and after surgery as a patient blood management program is helpful in correcting anemia and reducing the frequency of transfusion in patients with gynecologic cancer.

Study hypothesis: Patient blood management will reduce the transfusion rate by up to 25%.

Trial design: This prospective, multicenter, interventional, randomized controlled study will consist of three steps. In step 1, the safety and effectiveness of patient blood management for surgical patients before, during, and after surgery will be evaluated. In steps 2 and 3, the safety and effectiveness of patient blood management in patients before, during, and after adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy will be evaluated.

Major inclusion/exclusion criteria: Patients who are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer (ie, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer) and scheduled for surgery will be included and their iron deficiency status will be assessed. Only those with a pre-operative hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL or higher will be included. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy or pre-operative radiation therapy will be excluded. Also, patients with serum ferritin >800 ng/mL or transferrin saturation >50% on serum iron panel tests will be excluded.

Primary endpoint: Rate of transfusion within 3 weeks after surgery.

Sample size: Eligible participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio (167 patients each) into the patient blood management group and the conventional management group.

Estimated dates for completing accrual and presenting results: Patient recruitment will be completed by mid-2025, and management and follow-up will be completed by the end of 2025.

Trial registration number: NCT05669872.

Keywords: Cervical Cancer; Ovarian Cancer; Surgery; Uterine Cancer.