What does a Complete Blood Count (CBC) help assess in oncology patients?

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a crucial diagnostic tool in oncology that helps assess bone marrow function and the effects of chemotherapy or other treatments. In cancer patients, the bone marrow is often impacted by both the disease itself and the therapies used to treat it, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The CBC measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

For instance, a CBC can identify anemia (low red blood cell count), which can occur due to the disease or its treatment, leading to fatigue and weakness. It also provides insight into the immune system's status by measuring white blood cell counts, which can be suppressed by chemotherapy, increasing the risk of infections. Platelet counts are also monitored, as low platelet levels can predispose patients to bleeding complications. Therefore, a CBC is integral in evaluating a patient’s overall hematologic health, monitoring treatment side effects, and guiding clinical decisions in the management of oncology patients.