Iron infusion in iron-deficient patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer who are anaemic versus not anaemic in order to improve physical fitness as determined by exercise testing and a quality of life questionnaire.

This pilot study is looking at whether giving an iron infusion to patients with colorectal cancer who are iron-deficient before their surgery can improve their physical fitness. Patients who are iron-deficient but not severely anaemic will be randomly assigned to receive either an iron infusion or a saline (salt water) infusion, and their fitness will be measured before and after. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years of age or older - You have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer confirmed by biopsy - You have low iron levels (ferritin below 100, or between 100–300 with low transferrin saturation) - You are scheduled for colorectal surgery - Your vitamin B12 and folate levels are normal You may NOT be eligible if: - Your anaemia is very severe (haemoglobin below 110 mg/dL and ferritin below 20) - You have received iron therapy or a blood transfusion in the past 12 weeks - You have had an allergic reaction to iron infusions before - You have liver disease or a blood disorder like haemochromatosis - You have a physical disability preventing exercise testing Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.