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Allogeneic Leukocyte-Reduced Red Blood Cell Transfusion Is Associated with Postoperative Infectious Complications and Cancer Recurrence after Colon Cancer Resection

Background/Aims: Transfusion rates in colon cancer surgery are traditionally very high. Allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are reported to induce immunomodulation that contributes to infectious morbidity and adverse oncologic outcomes. In an effort to attenuate these effects, the study institution implemented a universal leukocyte reduction protocol. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of leukocyte-reduced (LR) transfusions on postoperative infectious complications, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival (OS). Methods: In a retrospective study, patients with stage I–III adenocarcinoma of the colon from 2003 to 2010 who underwent elective resection were studied. The primary outcome measures were postoperative infectious complications and recurrence-free and OS in patients that received a transfusion. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed for each endpoint. Results: Of 294 patients, 66 (22%) received a LR RBC transfusion. After adjustment, transfusion of LR RBCs was found to be independently associated with increased infectious complications (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.24–7.73), increased odds of cancer recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 3.74, 95% CI 1.94–7.21), and reduced OS when ≥3 units were administered (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.12–4.48). Conclusion: Transfusion of LR RBCs is associated with an increased risk of infectious complications and worsened survival after elective surgery for colon cancer, irrespective of leukocyte reduction.