Effects of radiotherapy on blood parameters in patients with different types of cancer; single center experience in Iraq

Radiotherapy is important for the treatment of cancer but it is not without side effects on the human body like lethal effects on blood cells. This study aimed to estimate the effect of radiotherapy on blood parameters in cancer patients. One hundred and two patients from Zhianawa Hospital in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq, were included in this study from July 2022 to October 2022. The blood samples were collected for blood analysis and the information of participants was taken through a detailed questionnaire. Out of the 102 patients, 61 (59.8%) females and 41 (40.2%) males, the median age was 50.1 years ± 17.02 years. Forty-nine (48%) of studied patients were in Stage 4 and the most common cancer was breast cancer accounting for 43 (42.2%). We found a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in total white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, but regarding neutrophils, the reduction was statistically not significant (P = 0.343). Doses of radiotherapy and more advanced stages of cancer affect the degree of the reduction of blood counts and it can be seen in different ages. The cell drop was significantly lower in younger patients, aged <60 years as related to the curative intent in those age groups. The results suggest that radiotherapy has a potential effect on circulating WBCs, RBC counts, and platelets, but not neutrophils and it is related to the stage of cancer and age of the patients.