Are cervical cancer brachytherapy outcomes associated with pre-brachytherapy hemoglobin values and transfusion practice? An observational study comparing two academic centres.

Patients with cervical cancer are treated with radiation therapy. Some cancer doctors believe that, before their patients receive radiation therapy, it is important to keep their hemoglobin level high (above 100 g/L) to achieve the best cancer-killing effect of radiation therapy. Other cancer doctors don’t believe this because there is no proof of benefit, and they are comfortable keeping the hemoglobin level above 70 g/L like other cancer patients. Keeping a higher level of hemoglobin leads to more blood use and potential blood-related harm with no known benefit. This study aims to compare two different hospitals, one that keeps hemoglobin above 100 (London Health Sciences) and another that keeps hemoglobin only above 70 (Sunnybrook Health Sciences), and seeing which group of patients does better in terms of survival and cancer cure. This project is in line with the Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program’s priorities of improving the efficient and appropriate utilization of blood products, while maintaining the safety of blood. Doctors have known for many years that they need to change this practice but they are reluctant, and this project and award will help our team convince them to do it

SOLH, Ziad

Western University

Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program

Ontario

$27,670