Survival of primary irradiated patients with NSCLC in dependence of the pretherapeutical haemoglobin level

We have analysed the files of 96 primary radiated patients to evaluate the pre-therapeutic haemoglobin level as well as sex, age, histopathology, total dose and fractionation. The analysis of Karnofsky-status or patient condition was not performed as there was a lack of sufficient data in the patient files. Histopathology, sex, age as well as total dose and fractionation of the radiation treatment were similar in the cohort building 3 groups: Hb<11 g/dl, Hb between 11 to 15 g/dl and Hb>15 g/dl. The investigation resulted in the observation, that lower levels of initial serum haemoglobin concentration compared to levels over 15 g/dl are negative prognostic factors. Higher initial haemoglobin concentration is a high significant positive prognostic factor (p=0,0001). The applied total dose (>30 Gy, >50 Gy, >55 Gy) was not a significant prognostic factor in this patient material, where two thirds of the patients had an advanced cancer (stage IIIB or Stage IV). (orig./MG)