Cancer patients may experience cytopenias due to several reasons:
Bone Marrow Infiltration: Certain cancers, such as leukemia or multiple myeloma, directly invade the bone marrow, impairing its ability to produce healthy blood cells. Chemotherapy: Many chemotherapeutic agents target rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow, leading to reduced blood cell production. Radiation Therapy: Radiation can damage bone marrow, particularly when it is targeted at bones where marrow is actively producing blood cells. Nutritional Deficiencies: Cancer and its treatment may impair nutritional intake or absorption, leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for blood cell production. Chronic Disease: The chronic nature of cancer can lead to systemic inflammation, which can suppress bone marrow function.
