Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx is potentially curative by radiotherapy. The impact on the treatment results have factors related to neoplasm, to the patient and factors related to the method of radiotherapy. The aim of this paper is evaluation of the impact of hemoglobin concentration (Hb) on treatment results in these patients.
Methods: 241 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx were treated between 1984-1995 in Radiotherapy Department II of Centre of Oncology in Warsaw. Most of them had locally and regionally advanced disease (T3-T4 in 63% and N2-3 in 41% of the patients). The pretreatment level of Hg was determined. All patients underwent definitive radiotherapy with the mean total dose 66-70 Gy.
Results: The estimated 5-year overall survival in this group was 23%. Analysis of clinical factors and factors related to the treatment has shown independent impact of the Hb concentration on radiotherapy results. In the group of patients with Hb level above 13 g/dL the risk of death and risk of locoregional recurrance were two times lower in comparison with group where Hb level was equal to or below 13 g/dL (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.013 respectively).
Conclusion: In the group of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, Hb concentration is important prognostic factor of the local control probablility and overall survival.