Abstract
Anemia is a major independent risk factor in patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, and particularly in those undergoing radiotherapy with curative intent. There are probably various reasons for this, the most important of which seems to be the induction of tumor hypoxia via anemia. Tumor hypoxia is associated with radiation resistance. In animal models, it has proved possible to improve radiosensitivity by correcting anemia. It is therefore logical to use erythropoietins in head and neck cancer patients. However, the data currently available from randomized studies have not demonstrated any survival benefit.
| Translated title of the contribution | Erythropoietin in radiation therapy: Tumors of the head and neck |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Journal | Onkologe |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 143-149 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISSN | 0947-8965 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 02.2007 |
