CTCAE Grading for Anaemia
NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0) grading scale for anaemia. Used in clinical trials and oncology practice.
Score interpretation
Hb ≥10 g/dL. Mild anaemia. Monitoring only.
→ Investigate cause. No transfusion indicated. Iron/B12/folate supplementation if deficient.
Hb 8.0–9.9 g/dL. Moderate anaemia.
→ Consider iron, EPO (if chemotherapy-related), or transfusion if symptomatic. Review dose of causative agent.
Hb 6.5–7.9 g/dL. Severe anaemia.
→ Red cell transfusion indicated (threshold typically Hb <7–8 g/dL or symptomatic). Consider holding/reducing causative chemotherapy. Haematology review.
Hb <6.5 g/dL. Life-threatening anaemia.
→ Urgent blood transfusion. Identify and treat cause urgently. Haematology emergency consultation. Consider ICU if cardiovascular compromise.
Interpretation bands for the CTCAE Anaemia. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- National Cancer Institute. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 5.0. 2017.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate / Leucovorin) · Antidote / Chemotherapy Support
- Zoledronic Acid · Bisphosphonate (IV)
- Denosumab · RANK Ligand Inhibitor (Anti-resorptive)
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Methotrexate · Chemotherapy / Immunosuppressant — Head and Neck / Granulomatosis
- Zoledronic Acid · IV Bisphosphonate
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.