Korean J Blood Transfus.  2026 Apr;37(1):24-28. 10.17945/kjbt.2026.37.1.2 4.

Appropriate Platelet Transfusion in Patients with Cancer

• Kwon SS
• Kim S

• KMID: 2580794
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17945/kjbt.2026.37.1.2 4

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia, a condition involving low platelet counts, is very common in cancer patients. Accordingly, platelet transfusions are performed quite frequently in this population. As a result, studies have been conducted to establish appropriate platelet transfusion practices for these patients, and guidelines have provided recommendations on the thresholds for prophylactic transfusion and appropriate dosing. In real-world clinical practice, however, inappropriate platelet transfusions that deviate from these guidelines remain common. These include transfusions administered despite the platelet counts being above the recommended thresholds, transfusions exceeding the standard recommended dose, and transfusions given to achieve platelet levels required for chemotherapy. Such practices may lead to the inefficient use of limited platelet resources without clear clinical benefit. Therefore, efforts to improve the adherence to established guidelines and optimize platelet utilization are warranted, particularly in cancer patients.

Keyword

Transfusion; Platelet; Cancer