Cordella C, Luebbers HT, Rivelli V, Gr ätz KW, Kruse AL. An evaluation of the preoperative hemoglobin level as a prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck Oncol. 2011 Aug 15;3:35.

Conclusion Our data suggests that an Hb of below 11 g/dl contributes to and is an indicator for a poor prognosis. Consequently, pre-treatment Hb corrections may significantly improve outcome, but further investigations, including blood transfusion/application of erythropoietin due to tumor anem ia, independent of intraoperative blood-loss are necessary to ascertain their role in an improved survival.
Source: Head and Neck Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research