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Erythropoetin in der Strahlentherapie

Tumoren des Kopf-Hals-Bereichs

Erythropoietin in radiation therapy

Tumors of the head and neck

  • Leitthema
  • Published:
Der Onkologe Aims and scope

Zusammenfassung

Anämie ist ein wichtiger und unabhängiger Prognosefaktor bei Patienten mit Plattenepithelkarzinomen im Kopf-Hals-Bereich, insbesondere bei definitiver Strahlentherapie. Dies beruht wahrscheinlich auf verschiedenen Ursachen, von denen die Verstärkung einer Tumorhypoxie durch Anämie ein wichtiger Faktor ist. Im Tiermodell kann man durch Anämiekorrektur mittels Erythropoetinen die Strahlenempfindlichkeit verbessern. Der Einsatz von Erythropoetin bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren ist deshalb logisch und konsequent. Allerdings zeigen die bisherigen klinischen Ergebnisse keine Vorteile hinsichtlich des Überlebens.

Abstract

Anemia is a major independent risk factor in patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, and particularly in those undergoing radiotherapy with curative intent. There are probably various reasons for this, the most important of which seems to be the induction of tumor hypoxia via anemia. Tumor hypoxia is associated with radiation resistance. In animal models, it has proved possible to improve radiosensitivity by correcting anemia. It is therefore logical to use erythropoietins in head and neck cancer patients. However, the data currently available from randomized studies have not demonstrated any survival benefit.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23538 , Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Deutschland

    J. Dunst & D. Rades

  2. Institut für Physiologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Deutschland

    E. Metzen

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  1. J. Dunst
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  2. E. Metzen
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Correspondence to J. Dunst.

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Dunst, J., Metzen, E. & Rades, D. Erythropoetin in der Strahlentherapie. Onkologe 13, 143–149 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00761-006-1149-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00761-006-1149-9

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