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Do you transfuse anemic head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation?

If so, when? Although anemia is associated with worse local control in HN cancer, I don't know of any data that shows that blood transfusions can help. Additionally, my institution has a blanket policy against transfusing patients who are asymptomatic.
2 Answers
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Radiation Oncology · University of Iowa
Answered on

No, never have.

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Radiation Oncology · Moffitt Cancer Center
Answered on

DAHANCA 5 trial and combined analysis from DAHANCA 5 and 7 showed no benefit to transfusion, so only if symptomatic or other clinical consideration.

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