Blood test may spare cancer patients unneeded iron infusions

NCT ID NCT03656172

NEW Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Institut Cancerologie de l'Ouest Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Summary

This trial explores whether a blood test measuring reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RET-He) can predict how well cancer patients with anemia will respond to intravenous iron treatment. The study involves adults with solid tumors who have functional iron deficiency. By checking RET-He levels before treatment and comparing them to hemoglobin levels one month later, researchers hope to refine iron prescription, giving iron only to those who truly need it.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Measurement of reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RET-He) via blood test, used to guide iron treatment decisions
What this could lead to: If RET-He predicts iron response, doctors could personalize iron therapy for anemic cancer patients, avoiding unnecessary treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study. The correlation may be weak, and results might not apply broadly to all cancer patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

deficiency anemia iron deficiency anemia neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANEMIA DEFICIENCY SOLID TUMOR, ADULT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest

Saint-Herblain, 44805, France

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