Hemolytic transfusion reactions in oncology patients: experience in a large cancer center.

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Abstract
The incidence of hemolytic transfusion reactions over an 8 yr period (1974-1981) was analyzed. Only 4 hemolytic transfusion reactions were reported out of 142,957 transfusions of blood (a frequency of 1 reaction in 35,739.25 transfusions). This could be due to the following factors: Impairment of immune status related to the malignant process or temporary immunosuppression caused by intensive chemotherapy could enable patients to tolerate incompatible transfusions; and the reactions are overlooked or masked by the severity of disease in cancer patients in spite of an elaborate education for nurses, residents/fellows, and staff physicians about the dangers of hemolytic reactions. The figures herein reported are lower than those reported for nononcology hospital settings.