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Anemia
Anemia occurs frequently
Tumor response to radiotherapy in patients with pre-existing anemia is less
satisfactory than in patients with normal hemoglobin
In a review of 12 studies in cervical and SCCHN, anemia was a significant
predictor of negative response or poor prognosis
? correction of anemia during radiotherapy does not improve survival
and local control
? smoking reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood through
formation of carboxyhemoglobin