Alterations in Hematological and Biochemical Profiles in Cancer Patients Before and After Chemotherapy at Authority Dhamar General Hospital, Yemen
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53460/AMH722025.010Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy, while a cornerstone of cancer treatment, is associated with significant hematological and biochemical toxicities that require careful monitoring. In resource-limited settings like Yemen, where the healthcare system faces profound challenges, the patterns and management of these side effects are poorly documented. This study aimed to evaluate the alterations in hematological and biochemical profiles in cancer patients before and after chemotherapy at a general hospital in Yemen.
Methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted on 50 cancer patients at the Oncology Unit of the Authority Dhamar General Hospital. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data (Complete Blood Count, Liver Function Tests, Kidney Function Tests) were collected from patient records pre- and post-chemotherapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with paired t-tests used to compare mean differences. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of patients were female (64%), presented with advanced-stage disease (82% at Stage III/IV), and had breast cancer (22%) or gastric cancer (14%). Post-chemotherapy, the analysis revealed no statistically significant alterations in the majority of hematological parameters, including hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets (p > 0.05). For biochemical profiles, a significant decrease in Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) (p=0.035) and a significant increase in Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (p=0.036) were observed. Other liver and kidney function parameters showed no significant changes.
Conclusion: The advanced stage at diagnosis highlights critical gaps in early detection and cancer awareness in Yemen. The absence of significant hematological toxicity suggests that chemotherapy protocols may be adapted, potentially through dose modifications, to mitigate risks in a setting with limited supportive care. These findings underscore the urgent need for context-specific treatment guidelines and strengthened healthcare infrastructure to improve oncology outcomes in Yemen.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, Hematological Toxicity, Biochemical Profiles, Yemen, Cancer, Resource-Limited Setting.
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