Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with more anemia and perioperative blood transfusions than primary debulking surgery in women with advanced stage ovarian cancer

Women selected for NACT were more likely to be anemic at diagnosis and became progressively anemic during NACT. Despite less blood loss during debulking surgery, NACT patients receive more blood transfusions perioperatively than patients undergoing PDS. This represents a potential opportunity for therapeutic intervention during NACT to correct anemia prior to interval debulking surgery.