Anemia commonly occurs in cancer patients and results in symptoms such as fatigue which have a profound impact on quality of life. Anemia is also associated with poor treatment outcome and overall survival. Several studies in patients with solid tumors have shown that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), such as recombinant erythropoietins, effectively increase hemoglobin levels and reduce the need for emergency blood transfusions, regardless of the type of concomitantly administered chemotherapy. This Italian meeting, sponsored by the Italian Southern Oncological Group (GOIM) and Southern Pananemia Study Group, focused on various aspects of cancer-related anemia and its treatment options.