In some cases, alternatives to ESAs may be considered to manage anemia in cancer patients. These alternatives include blood transfusions, iron supplementation, and other supportive care measures. Blood transfusions can provide immediate relief from the symptoms of anemia but come with their own set of risks, such as allergic reactions, infections, and iron overload. Iron supplementation can be beneficial, particularly if the anemia is due to iron deficiency, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid complications like iron overload.
