2016_Head & Neck COURSE BOOK

Anemia

Anemia occurs frequently

Tumor response to radiotherapy in patients with pre-existing anemia is less satisfactory than in patients with normal hemoglobin

In a review of 12 studies in cervical and SCCHN, anemia was a significant predictor of negative response or poor prognosis

? correction of anemia during radiotherapy does not improve survival and local control ? smoking reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood through formation of carboxyhemoglobin