Frontiers in Oncology (Jul 2023)

Hemoglobin level associates with survival in women from Appalachian Kentucky with uterine cervix cancer

  • Charles A. Kunos,
  • Denise Fabian,
  • Tricia Fredericks,
  • Lauren Baldwin,
  • Charles Dietrich,
  • Rachel W. Miller,
  • Frederick R. Ueland

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2023.1132135
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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IntroductionThe purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the relationship between pretherapy hemoglobin levels and progression-free survival among women with uterine cervix cancer undergoing concurrent weekly cisplatin and radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy.MethodsPatients with advanced-stage II-IVA uterine cervix cancer were grouped by hemoglobin level (Hgb ≥ 12.0, 11.9-10.0, or < 10.0 g/dL). Endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival, and local control.ResultsBetween 01/2001 and 07/2022, 168 patients contributed demographic, tumor, pretherapy hemoglobin, and outcome data with a median follow-up of 31 months. Progression-free survival at three years was 73% (95% confidence interval: 58%-84%), 71% (95% confidence interval: 56%-82%), and 62% (95% confidence interval: 44%-75%) for the Hgb ≥ 12.0, 11.9-10.0, or < 10.0 g/dL groups, respectfully (P < 0.001). In addition, pretherapy hemoglobin levels were significant with treatment outcome when included in a multivariate analysis of prognostic variables.DiscussionIn conclusion, the difference in pretherapy hemoglobin level was prognostic of progression-free survival.

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