Erythropoietin in radiation oncology - A review. 1st international conference, Freiburg, June 11-12, 1999

Abstract

The therapeutic potential of erythropoietin gains increasing attention among radiation oncologists because the prognosis is better for patients with high blood hemoglobin levels following radiotherapy. However, there is still a debate on how hemoglobin affects radiotherapy. Further, the means to manipulate the hemoglobin level, their indication and administration need to be clarified. Available experimental and clinical data on hypoxia, anemia and on their treatment with erythropoietin have been extensively discussed at an international conference in Freiburg, Germany, in June 1999. This report gives a summary reviewing the topic.