Decrease in the hemoglobin level influences the outcome in head and neck cancer patients treated with postoperative accelerated radiation therapy

Abstract

There is a clear correlation between hemoglobin (Hb) status and outcome in head and neck cancer treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT). We wanted to assess the influence of preoperative and postoperative Hb levels, and the amount of its decrease in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) patients treated with surgery and postoperative adjuvant accelerated RT.