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

• Published in: Frontiers in oncology Vol. 13; p. 1132135
• Main Authors: Kunos, Charles A, Fabian, Denise, Fredericks, Tricia, Baldwin, Lauren, Dietrich, Charles, Miller, Rachel W, Ueland, Frederick R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 06.07.2023
• Subjects: Appalachia; cervical cancer; hemoglobin; Oncology; survival; uterine cervix; uterine cervix; Appalachia; cervical cancer; hemoglobin; survival
• ISSN: 2234-943X; 2234-943X
• DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1132135

The 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. Patients 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. Between 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. In conclusion, the difference in pretherapy hemoglobin level was prognostic of progression-free survival.