EPO and infectious disease: Univariate analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups in baseline characteristics (age, ECOG score), comorbidities (diabetes, infectious diseases, electrolyte disturbances), tumor features [histological subtype, staging, central nervous system involvement (CNS)], treatment-related factors (transfusion history, EPO/G-CSF usage, central venous access, anticoagulant use), and laboratory parameters [D-dimer, fibrin degradation products (FDP), hs-CRP, LDH, red blood cell count, hematocrit, albumin, TP, serum calcium].