45. Impact of Hb level during postoperative radiotherapy of patients with larynx cancer

Abstract

Aim

Assessment the influence of low level of Hgb on the locoregional outcome of postoperative radiotherapy patients with advanced cancer of larynx.

Material and methods

An retrospective analysis of two hundred fifty four patients with larynx carcinoma with stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of larynx who were treated between January 1993 and December 1996 was performed. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed in coventional way to total dose of 60 Gy, 5 times a week. Of 254 patients, 86 patients (34%) were considered to have a low level of hemoglobin (below 13 g/dl) prior the beginning of radiotherapy and 56 patients (22%) at the end of treatment. We have noted also 38 patients (15%) of 254 patients, with deacresing hemoglobin level during treatment higher than 1 g/dl.

Results

No impact on outcome of treatment was observed in the group of patients with low level of Hgb before irradiation. Inrease of locoregional failure of postoperative radiotherapy was noted in group of patients with Hgb level at the end of irradiation below 13 g/dl (p = 0,004) and also in group of patients with decreasing of Hgb level during treatment (p = 0,038).

Conclusions

Low Hgb levels at the end of postoperative irradiation and decreasing during irradiation were associated with a statistically significant an increase in locoregional failure of patients with advanced carcinoma of larynx.